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Wantagh Preservation Society is working to restore historic markers

By HUNTER FENollol hfenollol@liherald.com

The Wantagh Preservation Society is working to restore a series of historic markers across the community to coincide with the nation’s Semiquincentennial. The markers are intended to to preserve local history and connect today’s residents with the town’s heritage.

Originally installed in the 1930s, the heavy cast-iron signs mark significant sites throughout Wantagh. Over time, many have disappeared or deteriorated, prompting a renewed effort to return or refurbish them. Many of those that are denoted sites that date back to the colonial era

“There are eight markers in total, and six of them need to be replaced,” Wantagh Preservation Society Trustee Tom Watson explained. “Only two are still standing.”

The project has been discussed for years and is now gaining traction thanks to

a GoFundMe page spearheaded by another trustee, Frank Jurs. The ultimate fundraising goal is $15,000, and the team has managed to raise $3,000 so far.

“This has been something that’s been on our radar for a long time,” Jurs said. “These markers tell the story of Wantagh, and without them, a lot of that history just isn’t visible to people anymore.”

Replacing the markers comes with logistical and financial challenges, but organizers say the effort is essential.

“They’re not cheap to replace, at around $1,700 per sign, and it takes time to coordinate everything,” Jurs, a real estate agent and Preservation Society trustee said. “But it’s worth doing I’ve already dedicated 5 percent of my own 2026 commissions towards the project. Once they’re gone, that piece of history is gone with them.”

For Preservation Society President Beth Obergh, the mission is about making history

Donate yarn, blankets to youth in need

By JoRDAN VAlloNE jvallone@liherald.com

Community members across the 5th State Senate District have an opportunity to give back by donating yarn and handmade blankets in a drive to support children undergoing chemotherapy.

State Sen. Steve Rhoads, whose district includes Bellmore, Merrick, East Meadow, Seaford, Wantagh and Levittown, is spearheading the worthy campaign in partnership with the nonprofit We Care Blankets.

A t We Care Blankets, our first love is children.

TAmmy BAKER

The nonprofit organization was founded on Long Island in 1999, when a small group of volunteers recognized a common but often overlooked side effect of cancer treatment in children: persistent chills. Initially funded by a physician, the organization set out to provide something simple but meaningful — handmade, colorful blankets that could offer warmth and reassurance during a difficult time.

Co-founder, We Care Blankets

crochet and donate blankets that are distributed to hospitals serving pediatric cancer patients. Each blanket is designed not only to keep children warm, but to provide a sense of care and connection, organizers said. The monthlong yarn and blanket drive, which will run through May, builds on a previous effort that collected more than 400,000 yards of yarn and over 200 handmade blankets. Donations of acrylic yarn allow volunteers to continue crafting blankets, while completed blankets can be given directly to the organization for distribution.

“It is a heartbreaking reality that far too many children battle cancer at such a young age,” Rhoads said in a release shared ahead of this year’s drive. “While medical care is essential in their fight, it is equally important that they are surrounded by comfort, compassion, and a sense of warmth during such a difficult and painful time.”

Over the years, the effort has grown into a community-driven network of volunteers who knit,

Community members can support the initiative in two ways: by donating yarn

COntinued On page 10

Courtesy Tom Watson

One of the sites where there will be a new marker is Helen Strang’s historic home.

One of Long Island’s Top Audiologists Dr. Thomas Recher, Au.D.

Blakeman looks to curtail NIFA’s oversight

By CHRIS COLUCCI ccolucci@liherald.com

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, the Republican nominee for governor, held a news conference last week to laud the county’s budget surplus and financial stability. Blakeman also called for an end to the strict oversight of the Nassau Interim Finance Authority, which was created in 2000 to monitor county finances.

“We are calling on NIFA to basically transfer from being a control authority to an advisory authority,” Blakeman said on April 10. “NIFA costs county taxpayers approximately $3 million a year in administrative expenses. That money is unnecessary. It is not doing anything to help our fiscal status.”

The $3 million cost Blakeman cited is a rough estimate of the combined salaries of the five NIFA committee members. The committee has had oversight of county spending since 2011.

“We will do everything necessary to make sure that we are no longer burdened in a control period that is completely unnecessary, unwarranted and, quite frankly, not according to the law,” Blakeman added.

Richard Kessel, chairman and director of NIFA, delivered a direct rebuttal, saying, “The only reason the county budget is balanced is that it got over $200 million in federal funding during

Covid, and it’s using that money and other reserves to balance and to hide what is a deficit.” In 2024, Blakeman’s administration moved more than $220 million received from federal pandemic aid into the county’s general fund.

Blakeman noted recent county prosperity — including seven bond upgrades in the past three and a half years and gross economic output that he described as larger than that of nearly 150 mem-

bers of the United Nations — before addressing the potential for a political slant to NIFA’s financial control.

“NIFA has been a political machine, governed by [Gov.] Kathy Hochul,” he said. “She wants to control every aspect of our business here in Nassau County, just like she has throughout the state of New York.”

Blakeman said that State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, a Democrat, has

declared that the county has no fiscal stress. And County Comptroller Elaine Phillips, a Republican, emphasized Nassau’s financial health despite rising costs statewide. “In 2024 to 2025, we saw almost a $5 million increase in health insurance costs,” Phillips said, “[and] a 23 percent increase in our pension costs.”

Phillips commended Blakeman’s decision not to raise county taxes for the entirety of his four-year tenure, and added that NIFA’s shift to an advisory role would be appropriate. “I wholly support that NIFA does not keep us in a control period,” she said.

County Treasurer David Chiang also voiced support for reduced NIFA oversight while stressing the county’s current financial position. “Nassau County is in the best fiscal shape it’s ever been in,” he said. “Without cutting services, we have maintained our service level while keeping revenues stable. Our expenses have been going down. We have budget surpluses.”

“Bruce Blakeman has no authority to decide whether there’s a control period in effect,” Kessel said. “It’s our position that a control period is absolutely necessary, and we will continue it going forward. It’s up to us to decide whether or not to decide to have a control period. If he doesn’t comply with it, we’ll take the appropriate action at the appropriate time.”

Chris Colucci/Herald

County Executive Bruce Blakeman, center, recognized the financial guidance of Comptroller Elaine Phillips and Treasurer David Chiang at a news conference last week.

Community supports veterans, first responders

By JORDAN VALLONE

jvallone@liherald.com

Building Homes for Heroes’ 5K Walk/Run returned to Eisenhower Park on April 4, drawing runners, families and community members together in support of injured veterans and first responders. The event combined fundraising with outreach, as organizers aimed to expand awareness of the nonprofit’s mission while building fromon momentum from last year’s race.

Building Homes for Heroes, Bbased in Island Park, Building Homes for Heroes was formed in the aftermath of the Sept. 11 attacks, when founder Andy Pujol volunteered in search and rescue efforts at Ground Zero. What began as an effort to gift a single home to a returning veteran has since grown into a national organization that has provided hundreds of mortgagefree homes. The nonprofit is now on track to complete its 500th home by the end of 2026.

Beyond housing, the organization offers long-term support to veterans and their families, including financial advisory services, emergency funding and programming focused on mental health, academic advancement and physical wellness. When homes are gifted, the celebrations often bring together local police and fire departments and community members for large, procession-style welcome events.

The race itself is part of a renewed push to strengthen the nonprofit’s presence on Long Island. Last year marked the first time in roughly a decade that Building Homes for Heroes hosted a run locally, and organizers said the response exceeded expectations. About 195 runners participated in the 2025 event despite steady rain and cold conditions, demonstrating a strong level of community support.

David Weingrad, the organization’s director of communications, said much of that success was due to Daniel Hernandez, a Marine veteran and staff member who helped bring the race back.

“There’s always going to be things you learn on the spot,” Weingrad said. “He was all over the place, and people were pulling him in every direction — he did an amazing job. I think it was a testament to how much people care about our cause and our mission.”

Hernandez, who joined the organization in 2019, began running during the coronavirus pandemic and has since used the activity as a way to raise awareness and funds for veterans. In addition to organizing the race, he has taken on personal endurance challenges to spotlight issues affecting the veteran community.

In November, Hernandez ran one mile every hour and completed 22 pushups between each mile to raise awareness about veteran suicide rates. The effort began in Eisenhower Park and continued through the night, ending the following day in Long Beach.

“I am growing to love running,” Hernandez added.

“I just thought this is a great challenge. Our veterans are suffering. For me, taking one day to support them means a lot.”

Organizers said hosting the event at Eisenhower Park continues to play a key role in expanding visibility for the nonprofit. While Building Homes for Heroes has a national reach, many residents are still unaware that it was founded on Long Island and continues to operate locally.

“We just had our 20th anniversary, but so many people don’t know that we’re a Long Island grown organization,” Weingrad said. “When people learn that Building Homes for Heroes is based right here in their backyard, that’s what makes them want to be generous.”

That local connection was evident throughout this year’s event, and warmer, drier conditions made for a great time. The event featured a Kids Fun Run followed by the main race, along with raffles and other fundraising opportunities. Participants of all ages took part, and organizers said the mix of competition and community engagement reflects the broader goal of bringing people together in support of those who have served.

“The weather was perfect — better than last year,” Hernandez said. “There was a lot of laughs and smiles. I think for the most part, everyone had a great time.”

As the event continues to grow, organizers hope to keep the 5K going as an annual tradition on Long Island, further strengthening ties between the nonprofit and the communities it serves while continuing to raise funds for veterans in need.

“The community really came together for this one

and it gives me hope to improve and expand on it,” Hernandez added.

Visit BuildingHomesForHeros.org to donate and to learn more about the organization, reach and impact on communities across the U.S.

Michael Rechter/Herald photos

Runners hit the trails at Eisenhower Park on April 4 for the Building Homes for Heroesfor Heroes ’ 5K Wwalks/Run.

The race is made possible by the efforts of volunteers. Above, Jay Vera, Anthony Imperato, Brittany Willoughby, Floretta Willoughby, Kelsey Willoughby, Ashley Wiloughby, Danny Hernandez, the race’s director, Jennifer Hernandez, Megan Cudjoe and Jose Hernandez.

Greg Waxman, of Malverne, ran with an American flag.

Wantagh

Essay winners, social studies teachers, Wantagh School District administrators, and Daughters of the American Revolution leaders.

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“Protecting Your Future”

The 2026 edition of “Ettinger Law Firm’s Guide to Protecting Your Future”, a free download at trustlaw.com, and in hard copy on Amazon or complimentary at your no-cost consultation (by phone, Zoom or in-person), with Ettinger Law Firm provides:

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The Social Side of Estate Planning: The social aspects of how and to whom to leave your estate to and whether you should discuss these matters with your adult children. Are any more deserving, more in need, your relationships with them and theirs with each other, which are most

capable, what to do with a vacation home and much more.

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Health Issues for Older Adults: “Protecting Your Future” also includes living longer and healthier lives. Here you’ll ﬁnd many of the keys to successful mental and physical aging.

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Wantagh students shine during essay contest

The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Jerusalem Chapter recently announced this year’s winners of its annual essay contest at the Wantagh Public Library on March 13. Six Wantagh School District students earned top honors in their respective categories in front of proud family members, school administrators, teachers, and chapter representatives.

Each student was recognized for their outstanding submission during a special ceremony hosted by Jerusalem Chapter Regent Kathryn Kenny and Vice Regent Jennifer Turcinovic. Students were presented with a check, certificate, and a special gift.

In the winner’s circle were Forest Lake Elementary student Landon Lindner, fifth grade and Wantagh Middle School student Jack Sutton, sixth grade won in the Flag Essay category. Emma Walsh, seventh grade, and Eva Ferguson, eighth grade, each won in the American History Essay category, which asked students to write

about having lunch with a signer of the Declaration of Independence.

Eva is also the eighth grade New York State winner and will be awarded a silver medal, certificate, check and an invitation to the New York State Conference in Rochester this September.

Victoria Chen, Wantagh High School, 11th grade, was named the “Patriots of the American Revolution Essay” winner. Students in this category researched a historical figure’s contributions and influenced the course of the American Revolution.

Special recognition was also given to social studies teachers Mrs. Beckler, Mr. Cippoletti, Mr. Tallarine, ELA teacher Mrs. Gatti, and fifth grade teacher Mrs. Mooney for their continued dedication to encouraging student participation in this meaningful annual contest.

— Hunter Fenollol

Crime brief

Seaford woman arrested on arson charge

A Seaford woman was arrested and charged with arson following a domestic dispute at a Neptune Avenue home on April 10, according to Nassau County police.

Officers responded to the house at 8:14 p.m. for a report of a disturbance, police said. They were informed that a 59-year-old woman had been involved in a verbal argument with a 63-year-old man.

Police said the argument escalated, and the woman allegedly began throwing items at the man before threatening to burn the house down. Authorities said she then lit a pillow on fire.

The fire was extinguished before officers arrived, and no injuries were reported.

Following an investigation, officers located the woman, identified as Lisa Decaprio, and placed her under arrest without incident. She was taken to a local hospital for evaluation, police said.

Decaprio is charged with arson and harassment. She is scheduled to be arraigned April 11 at First District Court in Hempstead.

— Hunter Fenollol

Lisa Decaprio

Courtesy

School District

Local mom supports MacArthur’s 5-Star program

By HUNTER FENOLLOL hfenollol@liherald.com

A Wantagh business owner is turning a routine pet service into a way to support students with special needs at General Douglas MacArthur High School.

Throughout April, The Shampooch Pawlor is offering discounted nail clippings for dogs, with all proceeds benefiting the school’s 5-Star program, which serves students with developmental disabilities.

For owner Susan Levy, the fundraiser is deeply personal.

“My son is on the spectrum, and he attends MacArthur High School, so this is very personal to me,” Levy said. “I just wanted to give back because they do so much for our children.”

Levy’s connection to the program goes beyond fundraising. Her business has partnered with the school to provide students with hands-on vocational experience.

“We’ve been working with the school’s vocational program, where students come into the shop and help out,” Levy said. “It gives them a sense of inclusion and shows them they are accepted.”

According to Stephanie Addona, chairperson of special education at MacArthur, the 5-Star program focuses on preparing students for life beyond high school.

“It is a program that works on func-

tional academics, as well as preparing students for the vocational skills needed for adulthood,” Addona said.

The program serves about 30 students and emphasizes real-world experiences, including trips into the community and job training opportunities.

Funds raised through Levy’s efforts help support those experiences.

“The proceeds are typically used to take our students on trips in the community or bring in programs,” Addona said. “We’ve taken students to restaurants so they can learn how to order a meal, as well as provided activities like mindfulness and yoga classes.”

She added that the funding helps ensure families are not burdened with additional costs.

“Most of the time, we never have to ask our parents for money for these trips,” Addona said.

Beyond financial support, Addona said partnerships with local businesses play a critical role in helping students build confidence and independence.

“That’s our goal — to prepare our young adults to be included in their adult world,” she said. “By giving them these experiences, we’re helping them develop the skills and confidence they need in real-life settings once they graduate.”

Levy has also supported the program in the past, including selling studentmade ornaments during the holidays and donating the proceeds.

Addona said Levy’s continued involvement has made a meaningful impact.

“She has graciously opened her door and her heart to our students,” Addona said. “We are incredibly grateful for her.” Levy said the community response to the current fundraiser has been overwhelmingly positive.

“The response from the community has been beautiful,” she said.

She hopes the effort not only raises funds, but also promotes greater understanding.

“I wish people understood that it’s about inclusivity,” Levy said. “Our kids are part of the community like any other kids — they’re smart, capable and deserve opportunities.”

Addona emphasized that the program’s success is also driven by the people behind it.

“The program is successful because of the amazing teachers, teacher assistants and one-to-one aides who work so hard every day for the success of our students,” she said.

The fundraiser is open to all community members, whether they have a pet or not. In addition to booking appointments, residents can make donations or purchase gift certificates to support the cause.

Courtesy Levittown Schools

5-Star Students Joshua Fernandez, Haley Causeman, Dylan Bonsignore, Antonio Ricaurte, Alyssa Holmes at the Shampooch Pawlor.

BRUCE A. BLAKEMAN NASSAU COUNTY EXECUTIVE

BRIAN FALK

SEAFORD Senior Lacrosse

A DYNAMIC THREE-SPORT athlete who helped Seaford’s football team to the Nassau Conference IV championship and the basketball team to a deep run in the Class A playoffs, Falk is one of the most talented lacrosse players in the county. He shared the Herald’s 2026 Lacrosse Preview cover with West Hempstead’s Elizabeth Poirot. Bound for Villanova, Falk racked up 25 goals and 18 assists a year ago and earned All-County honors.

GAMES TO WATCH

Thursday, April 16

Boys Lacrosse: Glen Cove at Freeport 5 p.m.

Boys Lacrosse: Uniondale at Clarke 5 p.m.

Boys Lacrosse: Hewlett at Baldwin 5

Girls Lacrosse: MacArthur at Mepham

Baseball: Seaford at Lynbrook

Baseball: Oceanside at East Meadow

Baseball: Farmingdale at Massapequa

Softball: Kennedy at East Meadow 5 p.m.

Softball: V.S. North at Baldwin 5 p.m.

Softball: Plainedge at Farmingdale 5 p.m.

Softball: Hewlett at South Side 5 p.m.

Friday, April 17

Baseball: MacArthur at Hewlett 5 p.m.

Baseball: South Side at Kennedy

Softball: Freeport at West Hempstead 5 p.m.

Softball: Oceanside at Mepham 5 p.m.

Softball: Lawrence at East Rockaway 5 p.m.

Girls Lacrosse: Lynbrook at South Side 5 p.m.

Boys Lacrosse: Plainedge at Lynbrook 5 p.m.

Boys Lacrosse: Long Beach at Farmingdale 6 p.m.

Saturday, April 18

Girls Lacrosse: V.S. District at Sewanhaka 10 a.m.

Boys Lacrosse: Uniondale at East Meadow 1 p.m.

Nominate a “Spotlight Athlete”

High School athletes to be featured on the Herald sports page must compete in a spring sport and have earned an AllConference award or higher last season. Please send the following information: Name, School, Grade, Sport and accomplishments to Sports@liherald.com.

MacArthur baseball enters a new era

By PETER SCHWARTZ sports@liherald.com

The winds of change are blowing through Levittown.

That’s because after a long and storied career, Steve Costello, the Generals baseball coach since 1993, has turned the reigns over to a former player Frank Ziegler, who was elevated after serving as an assistant coach since 2020.

The teacher passes the torch to the student.

“I played for him and I coached with him,” Ziegler said. “I learned a lot from him so being able to get the chance to step in and try to continue that legacy is exciting.”

Ziegler points to the approach to baseball, dealing with the players, how a coach handles himself and the blueprint for success in running a successful program as far as knowledge that he picked up from Costello.

“It’s a larger investment in the kids and the community,” Ziegler said. “It runs deeper than just baseball which I think was a big takeaway from Coach (Costello).”

Last season, MacArthur finished with a record of 14-8 including a season-ending 7-6 playoff loss to Garden City in the first round of pool play. The Generals saw the Trojans again to start their 2026 season as MacArthur dropped three hardfought, one-run games to Garden City 2-1, 6-5 and 2-1 during spring break.

This season, the Generals feature a young team that includes just one senior, third baseman Matt Kerr, in the starting lineup.

“Matt Kerr is a great leader for us,” Zieger said. “He’s a great defender. He plays third base but if we needed him to go play shortstop, he can handle it.”

Kerr hit .455 (5-for-11) in the seasonopening series against Garden City. Junior catcher Gio Arganese hit .556 (5-for-9) while sophomore shortstop Brian Kalinowski went 3-for-7 with a double, a pair of runs scored and a .500 OBP.

On the mound, the Generals expect to get a lot of innings from junior Steve D’Ornellas and sophomore Colby Crzelaczyk. In the April 7 open-

er against Garden City, D’Ornellas tossed six innings. In game three of the season last Friday, Grzelaczyk allowed 1 earned run and struck out 5 over 7 1/3 innings.

Also in game three, junior Connor Schmidt got the start at first base and had an RBI double.

Other players to watch include junior right fielder Ethan Shapiro, junior designated hitter Brayden Labonte, junior second baseman Tyler Neal, junior leftfielder Avery Acquaviva, and junior center fielder Tom Walsh, MacArthur’s leadoff hitter.

The Generals are optimistic they can return to postseason play and do some damage.

“We like what we have in terms of our players and our ability,” Ziegler said. “The goal, of course, is to make a run as far and as deep as possible into the postseason.”

The Generals have a three-game set this week against Hewlett, concluding Friday on the road at 5 p.m.

There may be a change in terms of the lead voice in the dugout, but MacArthur is taking a business-as-usual approach as they enter a new era of Generals Baseball.

Sue Grieco

Junior outfielder Ethan Shapiro and the Generals ushered in a new era with legendary coach Steve Costello’s retirement.

PSEG Long Island supports small businesses

By ANGELINA ZINGARIELLO azingariello@liherald.com

To mark Small Business Week, May 3-9, PSEG Long Island will host a Business First Workshop to support small businesses across the region.

The workshop is scheduled for May 6, from 9 to 11 a.m., at the Nassau County Office of Emergency Management, at 510 Grumman Road West in Bethpage, commonly referred to as the old Grumman building. The event is intended to bring together business owners and PSEG Long Island representatives to share information about programs and services that can help businesses operate more efficiently and manage energy use and costs.

“PSEG Long Island is proud to support our local business community — the entrepreneurs who invest in our neighborhoods, drive local economy and create jobs,” Veronica Isaac, PSEG Long Island’s senior manager of Economic Development, said. “Our Business First Workshop on May 6 will present all of the products and services offered by our PSEG Long Island Business First program for small and medium business owners. We will also have a special recognition ceremony to honor local companies and business organizations that participate in, promote and support our programs.”

Last year’s Business First Workshop presenters offered information about programs and services that help businesses operate more efficiently.

The company’s Business First program provides businesses with dedicated support for managing electricity needs, as well as information on billing processes and energy-efficiency incentives. Other areas of focus include building and renovation services, electric vehicle infrastructure and fleet incen -

tives, and procurement-related opportunities.

The topics will include digital tools such as the utility’s app and online account management platforms, as well as economic development initiatives that offer grants and bill credit opportunities.

Presenters will include Nayan Parikh, on digital channels; Christine

Bryson, on economic development; Alex Nyilas, on the Business First program; Alexandro Campos, on billing; Brittany Degel, on energy efficiency; Nicole Jones-Cumberbatch, on building and renovation services; Paul DiBenedetto, on electric vehicles; and Jimmy Alty, on procurement.

The workshop will also provide an opportunity for attendees to connect with Business First Advocates and representatives from procurement and building and renovation services, offering direct access to support resources.

Long Island is home to more than 100,000 small businesses, according to the Long Island Association, underscoring their significance to the regional economy.

“We proudly share information about PSEG Long Island’s revitalization programs with all new businesses in our community,” Cheryl Fajardo, past president of the Greater New Hyde Park Chamber of Commerce, said. “As a strong partner in local economic development, PSEG Long Island has played a vital role in helping us improve our downtown areas through beautification projects, infrastructure support and promotional efforts.”

Pre-registration is recommended by emailing PSEGLI-Businessfirst@psegliny.com.

Courtesy PSEG Long Island

Concerns about water rise across the region

Uneven investment in treatment, emerging contaminants leave many residents feeling vulnerable

By Roksana amid, stacy dRiks & Hailey FulmeR of the Herald

Sixth installment in a series about water.

Concerns about water quality remain visible and closely tied to patterns of neglect in communities across Long Island.

In the region, water problems don’t exist in isolation. Flooding, contamination and aging infrastructure are increasingly intersecting, and all of it can be traced back to a single source: the Island’s underground aquifer system. The sole-source system supplies all of the region’s drinking water, leaving little margin for error as environmental pressures intensify.

neglect beneath the surface

In Uniondale, aging infrastructure, delayed upgrades and a lack of investment are reflected in a deteriorating water tower and broader concerns about environmental health. The tower is known locally as “Old Rusty,” according to Pearl Jacobs, president of the Nostrand Gardens Civic Association, and has stood for more than three decades without proper maintenance. Experts typically recommend inspection, repainting and structural upkeep every seven years, Jacobs said.

“It’s beyond repair,” she said of the tower. “You can see the corrosion. There were reports of leaks. This is not just infrastructure; it’s a health and safety issue.”

Despite years of complaints, advocates like Jacobs say local officials initially proposed only cosmetic fixes, such as applying internal epoxy coatings to stop leaks. It was only after community pressure that roughly $10 million was allocated in 2025 for a new tower. The project is still in its early stages over a year later. The new tower is planned to be fully operational by the summer of 2027.

Residents have reported brown water in their homes, raising concerns about unsafe levels of contaminants. Water quality studies conducted one of Jacobs civic partners, Jeannine Maynard, cofounder of the Greater Uniondale Area Action Coalition and vice president of the Uniondale Community Land Trust indicated elevated levels of 1,4-dioxane, [a synthetic industrial chemical that is often found as a contaminant in water supplies, especially in places with past manufacturing or heavy chemical use], in the system.

Uniondale’s water infrastructure also includes aging pipes, with much of the system’s lead content still unknown. Maps show large portions of Uniondale untested, highlighting gaps in oversight compared with nearby communities. Advocates say these combined issues — brown water, an outdated tower, unknown lead risks and industrial contamination — reflect broader inequities.

a pattern of delays and uncertainty

The water tower is not just a one-off

issue but, for many residents, part of a broader pattern of neglect in the Town of Hempstead.

Jacobs pointed to a stark comparison: while Uniondale’s water tower deteriorated, West Hempstead received millions of dollars for a new facility. “They took taxpayer money and invested it elsewhere while our infrastructure was failing,” she said.

Uniondale residents, Jacobs said, have been diagnosed with a variety of cancers. “People start asking questions like, ‘What’s in our water?’”

reflects “a level of neglect,” leaving residents in the dark about risks.

“When things are ignored for decades, it sends a message,” Maynard said. “The question is: whose communities get prioritized and whose are left waiting?”

researchers are still working to understand the full scope.

Rising seas, stronger storms strain water supply

“We have a single-source water supply on Long Island,” Ali FarhadZadeh, an associate professor of civil engineering at Stony Brook University, said. “The water basically comes from the ground — from the aquifer.”

Residents wonder about the safety of their water because much of the community’s infrastructure has not been fully studied, said Maynard.

An interactive map from the League of Conservation Voters shows that while neighboring Hempstead has many defined lead service lines, most of Uniondale is listed as unknown, raising concerns about potential contamination. Air studies and local health data suggest higher rates of certain conditions, such as asthma, in the community, which may be linked to environmental exposure. Experts say the lack of detailed pipe inventories and testing

She also pointed to growing concern over PFAS, short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, a class of human-made chemicals often referred to as “forever chemicals” because they do not break down easily in the environment or the human body. Used for decades in products designed to resist heat, water and stains — including firefighting foam, nonstick cookware and waterproof materials — PFAS have entered groundwater through industrial processes.

And because Long Island relies on a sole-source aquifer, those contaminants can persist and circulate throughout the region, Maynard said. “These weren’t things people were even looking for,” she said. “So they built up over time.”

She added that PFAS and related contaminants have been detected widely across Long Island. Exposure has been linked in studies to increased risks of cancers, hormone disruption and other long-term health effects, though

As storms grow more frequent and sea levels rise, that system is under mounting strain. Heavier rainfall is overwhelming drainage systems and saturating the ground, increasing flooding and raising the risk of saltwater intrusion.

“We have saltwater that’s in the sediment, under the ocean on the South Shore,” Ryan Wallace, assistant professor at Adelphi University’s Department of Environmental Studies and Sciences said. “That saltwater could actually make its way to make its way into and mix with the freshwater aquifer, and that’s a lot of different towns.”

While residents are not drinking saltwater, intrusion can render wells unusable and reduce the region’s supply of clean drinking water.

New York state launched a pilot program on March 8 to help residents with private wells testing for PFAS contamination and cover cleanup costs. Suffolk is among the counties expected to be

Courtesy City of Glen Cove

Former Glen Cove Mayor Reggie Spinello, second from left, toured the Duck Pond Road well’s filtration system with Public Works Director, James Byrne, far left, Denise O’Connor, Water Service Foreman Michael Colangelo, Daniel Ermmarino and Kevin Basile.

Water infrastructure faces increased demand

Continued from PreViouS PAGe

included.

Eligible homeowners can receive free testing and may qualify for rebates of up to $5,000 for filtration systems or $10,000 to connect to public water companies.

“It makes infrastructure like septic systems and pipelines very vulnerable,” FarhadZadeh said of heavy rainfall. “They’re old — they’re not built for the new norm that we have with these storm patterns.”

Low-lying communities — particularly along the South Shore and in eastern Suffolk County — face more frequent flooding and infrastructure stress. Flooding is no longer limited to major storms.

When groundwater is already close to the surface, even routine rainfall can overwhelm drainage systems, creating a direct pathway between surface pollution and the aquifer.

“When it floods, water picks up and carries a lot of pollutants with it,” Robert Hayes, Environmental Advocates NY’s senior director of clean water, said. “Those pollutants might make their way into drinking water sources, whether it’s groundwater or surface water.”

Hayes said that investing in naturebased solutions such as wetlands or rain gardens could help capture water before it carries pollutants.

Aging infrastructure adds to growing risks

Many of Long Island’s water and sewer systems were built decades ago, at a time when both population and climate pressures were lower.

“The aging infrastructure is a big deal,” FarhadZadeh said. “I think it should be taken very seriously.”

Systems not designed to handle today’s volume of stormwater can quickly become overwhelmed, increasing the likelihood of overflows, leaks or system failures.

A $250 million water infrastructure funding package announced by Gov. Kathy Hochul on March 12 includes projects aimed at upgrading aging systems and improving water quality statewide. It includes $23 million for the Village of Hempstead and $5 million for PFAS treatment in Williston Park.

Hayes said that such investments are critical, but risks — and resources — vary across the region.

“Long Island has some of the most polluted drinking water in the state of New York,” he said. “But there is much more contamination still out there, and much more still to be done to make sure that no New Yorker is exposed to harmful levels of contamination when they turn on the tap.”

“Drinking water and quality issues on Long Island — we can consider them to be disproportionately affecting certain communities,” Wallace said. “Especially communities with older infrastructure, in close proximity to industrial zones or historically industrial areas.” Communities like Uniondale and Hempstead Village, which also have fewer resources to address the problem.

Exposure to contaminated drinking water, Wallace said, has been associated with increased risks of cancers including stomach, bladder, kidney, ovarian and prostate.

As flooding increases and infrastructure continues to age, the challenge for Long Island is not just protecting its water supply, but understanding how interconnected pressures are reshaping it from the ground up.

N. Shore water divide highlights cost and quality

Glen Cove’s drinking water meets all state and federal safety standards, according to the city’s 2024 annual water quality report, but maintaining that standard has required years of infrastructure upgrades, careful management of its well system and, at times, reliance on neighboring communities.

In nearby Glen Head and Sea Cliff, water is supplied privately by Liberty Utilities, highlighting differences not only in cost, but in how water systems are maintained and experienced by residents.

Glen Cove relies on a network of six municipal wells, including sites at Duck Pond Road, Nancy Court, Seaman Road and Kelly Street. According to former Councilwoman Marsha Silverman, the system was under significant strain eight years ago , with only two of the six wells operational at the time.

Multiple wells were offline for different reasons — contamination, storm damage, long-term deterioration — forcing the city to act quickly to restore capacity.

“We had purchased a couple hundred thousand dollars’ worth of water from Locust Valley because we couldn’t supply Glen Cove,” Silverman said.

To stabilize the system, the city

implemented a multi-year plan that included installing temporary filtration systems at the Duck Pond Road wells to address freon contamination, repairing the Kelly Street well after a lightning strike, and fully rehabilitating the Seaman Road well.

That work is ongoing. In January, the City Council approved more than $700,000 in additional repairs to the Seaman Road well, awarding a $776,000 contract to Philip Ross Industries Inc. to upgrade its granular activated carbon system. The improvements are intended to better regulate PFAS, which have been linked to serious health risks, and ensure that the well remains in compliance with state Department of Health standards.

The investment follows a broader pattern of spending, with the city investing tens of millions of dollars in its water system in recent years, including a $5 million rehabilitation project completed in 2024 at the Seaman Road station. Those upgrades are necessary as state and federal guidelines for contaminants become increasingly strict.

“There was always talk about building a seventh well, because we really need it,” Silverman said.

Cost differences across the North Shore

Despite those infrastructure challenges, Glen Cove’s municipal system remains relatively affordable compared with neighboring communities, because it is publicly operated and not for profit.

Residents’ quarterly bills typically range from $40 to $50 in the winter to a few hundred dollars in the summer, depending on usage.

In contrast, residents of Glen Head and Sea Cliff — served by private systems — often face significantly higher costs, with some paying hundreds of

dollars per month. Those systems generally factor operational expenses, infrastructure upgrades and profit into their rate structures, contributing to higher bills.

For Glen Head resident Agatha Nadale, the cost is substantial — about $1,800 per year. Her concerns, however, extend beyond the money.

“I can remember [in the ’70s] we’d fill a pitcher of water in the summer and there were these, like, little squiggly things swimming in the water,” she said. She also recalled a strong chlorine taste, and said those early experiences continue to shape how she uses water today. Nadale said she relies on a wholehouse filtration system, and does not drink tap water.

“I have already saved a handful of families from buying homes where Liberty Utilities is,” she said.

While Glen Head’s system has undergone upgrades — including carbon filtration systems designed to remove PFAS and meet stricter standards for water quality — public perception has not always kept pace with those improvements.

Although Glen Cove’s system remains compliant, continued monitoring and investment will be necessary as environmental standards evolve.

That concern extends across Long Island, where all communities rely on the same groundwater source and face challenges not only of contamination and saltwater intrusion, but also of steadily increasing demand.

Looking ahead

Silverman has also raised the possibility of long-term alternatives, including desalination, though no formal plans have been established.

At the federal level, U.S. Rep. Tom Suozzi said that water quality has been a longstanding priority.

“This has been a problem for a long time, and I’ve been working on improving our water quality on Long Island for over 30 years,” Suozzi said. “Dealing with aging infrastructure as mayor of Glen Cove, I realized how crucial drinking water projects were to my community. I installed one of the earliest ‘granulated activated carbon’ filtration systems on Long Island.”

“Improvements need to consistently be made to ensure our water remains safe,” he added.

For Glen Cove, the ability to draw from neighboring systems like Locust Valley provides a critical safety net. But it also highlights the importance for the city of maintaining its own infrastructure — particularly its network of wells — as demand continues to grow.

Across the North Shore, the contrast is clear: While water may come from the same aquifer, the cost, management and experience of that water can vary significantly from one community to the next.

And for residents like Nadale, of Glen Head, those differences are not abstract — they shape daily decisions about cost, safety and trust in what comes out of the tap.

Courtesy New York American Water the new York American Water treatment facility in Glen Head has updated its filtering process with the installation of two new granular-activated carbon vessels.

Initiative will benefit children with cancer

at the designated collection sites or by creating blankets themselves. All materials must be acrylic, washable and hospitalsafe to ensure they can be easily cleaned and safely used in medical settings. Organizers also encourage bright colors and patterns, which can help bring a sense of joy to children during treatment.

Blankets must meet a minimum size requirement generally around 32 to 36 inches square so they can fully wrap a child. Donated yarn is used by volunteers to continue producing blankets throughout the year, helping the organization maintain a steady supply for hospitals.

While the effort is sustained yearround, community participation remains essential. Local libraries across the district are serving as drop-off locations, making it easier for residents to contribute materials or finished blankets.

“We Care Blankets is more than just a local charity, it is a community of compassionate individuals who believe deeply in the power of small acts of kindness to uplift others,” Rhoads said. “This initiative goes beyond providing blankets it offers a tangible reminder to these children that they are not alone in their fight against cancer.”

We Care Blankets relies on volunteers to help prepare donations for delivery, ensuring that each blanket reaches a child in need. Though organizing efforts often bring people together at community spaces, Massapequa resident Tammy Baker, one of the nonprofit’s co-founders, emphasized that the heart of the initiative lies in the ongoing commitment of volunteers who give their time and skills.

“Without caring volunteers, benefac-

tors and talented crafters, we couldn’t fulfill this mission,” Baker said. “At We Care Blankets, our first love is children.”

Donations can be dropped off at several locations across the district, including the Bellmore Memorial Library, 2288 Bedford Ave.; Merrick Library, 2279 Merrick Ave.; Wantagh Public Library, 3285 Park Ave.; Seaford Public Library, 2234 Jackson Ave.; East Meadow Public Library, 1886 Front St.; Levittown Public Library, 1 Bluegrass Lane; North Merrick Public Library, 1691 Meadowbrook Road; and North Bellmore Public Library, 1551 Newbridge Road.

For more information, including a full list of donation sites or how to contribute, visit NYSenate.gov or contact Rhoads’ district office at (516) 882-0630.

Where to bring donations

■ Bellmore Memorial Library, 2288 Bedford Ave.

■ Merrick Library, 2279 Merrick Ave.

■ Wantagh Public Library, 3285 Park Ave.

■ Seaford Public Library, 2234 Jackson Ave.

■ East Meadow Public Library, 1886 Front St.

■ Levittown Public Library, 1 Bluegrass Lane

■ North Merrick Public Library, 1691 Meadowbrook Road

■ North Bellmore Public Library, 1551 Newbridge Road

the drive to collect yarn and blankets is open through may, and residents should bring donations to their local libraries.

the We Care Blankets drive is coordinated by the office of State Sen. Steve

above with tammy Baker, a co-founder of the nonprofit.

We Care Blankets provides

area hospitals.

rhoads,

blankets to children receiving chemotherapy treatments in

Courtesy Sen. Rhoads’ office photos during a previous wrap night, held at merrick Library, residents of the 5th State Senate district helped package materials and blankets for donation.

Rex Heuermann pleads guilty in Gilgo case

By ALYSSA R. GRIFFIN agriffin@liherald.com

Rex Heuermann admitted in Suffolk County Court last week to being the Gilgo Beach serial killer, and to murdering seven women whose remains were found along Ocean Parkway between 1993 and 2011.

Heuermann said on April 8 that he strangled Melissa Barthelemy, Maureen Brainard-Barnes, Amber Lynn Costello, Sandra Costilla, Valerie Mack, Jessica Taylor and Megan Waterman. He also admitted to killing Karen Vergata, who disappeared in 1996. Her remains were found later on Fire Island and near Tobay Beach.

“When Rex decided that he wanted to accept responsibility and didn’t want to proceed the trial, from a defense standpoint, we then pivoted and did our best to protect his interest,” Michael Brown, Heuermann’s attorney, said. “That included the fact that he’s going to cooperate with the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Behavioral Analysis Unit.”

Heuermann is expected to be sentenced to three consecutive terms of life in prison without the possibility of parole for the murders of Barthelemy, Costello and Waterman. He is also expected to receive four consecutive sentences of 25 years to life for the killings of Brainard-Barnes, Costilla, Mack and Taylor. Sentencing is scheduled for June 17.

Brown stated that with this new plea, Heuermann will face no further prosecution.

Asa Ellerup, Heuermann’s ex wife, attended the hearing with their daughter, Victoria Heuermann, and attorney Robert Macedonio.

“Rex Heuermann, and Rex Heuermann alone, is responsible for these horrific crimes,” Macedonio

said. “Any suggestion that Asa Ellerup and Victoria Heuermann were involved is irresponsible. They have no knowledge, no involvement or any connection to these heinous acts.”

“My thoughts are prayers are with the victims and their families,” Ellerup said. “Their loss is immeasurable, and the focus should be on them. I ask that you give some privacy to my family as they navigate this very difficult time.”

In January, Heuermann appeared before state Supreme Court Justice Timothy Mazzei, and his attorneys filed a 178-page omnibus motion seeking multiple forms of legal relief, including dismissal of a second-degree murder charge in the 1993 death of Costilla and a review of grand jury minutes.

He had previously pleaded not guilty, and his attorneys mounted a broad challenge to the prosecution’s case. At earlier court proceedings, the defense focused on disputing key forensic evidence, particularly DNA analysis that prosecutors said linked Heuermann to the victims.

Defense attorneys argued that the testing methods and conclusions should be closely examined, raising questions about how the evidence was collected and interpreted. They also challenged other elements of the investigation, signaling an effort to weaken the case and prepare for a potential trial.

Prosecutors maintained that the evidence was strong, citing DNA findings, cellphone data and years of investigative work that led to Heuermann’s arrest.

In September, Mazzei ruled that Heuermann would face one trial for all seven of the alleged murders.

Additional reporting by Carolyn James.

The victims of an admitted serial killer

Seven women were killed between 1993 and 2010. Their remains found near Gilgo Beach and Ocean Parkway.

Rex Heuermann admitted to killing the following women:

Melissa Barthelemy — strangled July 10, 2009.

Maureen Brainard-Barnes — strangled July 9, 2007.

Amber Lynn Costello — strangled Sept. 2, 2010.

Sandra Costilla — strangled Nov. 19, 1993.

Valerie Mack — strangled and dismembered between Sept. 1 and Nov. 1, 2000.

Jessica Taylor — strangled and dismembered around July 23, 2003.

Megan Waterman — strangled June 6, 2010.

Heuermann also admitted to killing: Karen Vergata — disappeared in 1996; remains found later on Fire Island and near Tobay Beach.

–Heuermann allocution

— April 16, 2026

With over 150 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degree programs and championship NCAA Division II teams, Molloy is where you’ll learn with purpose

See why we’re Long Island’s top-ranked private university. Open House Sunday, April 19 at 1PM

FREE community event focused on health, wellness, and lifestyle

Meet trusted local exhibitors and service providers

Take advantage of on-site health screenings

Enjoy lively entertainment, fitness demonstrations and interactive experiences

Hear from experts during a panel discussion with Q&A

Win raffles, prizes, and giveaways

Snack station for all

*Boxed lunches for first 150 attendees

All designed to help you stay active, informed, and engaged at every stage of life.

+ Q&A

DRAWINGS MUST BE PRESENT TO WIN

OUT

Destination: Outdoor escape Your backyard, reimagined

By Karen Bloom

Spring has surely sprung (at last) — and we’re very much attuned to Earth Month as we embrace the outdoors. It’s great get out and about and not feel so housebound, which leads many of us to rethink how we use our outdoor space. The season deﬁnitely invites us outside, offering a chance to reconnect with nature right at home and shape a backyard that works for everyday living.

Start by considering how your yard can better serve your household. Maybe you’re envisioning a space for easy entertaining, a safer play area for kids and pets, or simply a peaceful retreat to unwind. Increasingly, homeowners are embracing “backyarding” — bringing indoor comforts like dining, lounging and even workouts into the open air.

A little planning now can pay off all season long, with vibrant blooms, fresh herbs and a space that feels both functional and inviting.

“With the season’s ﬁrst signs appearing, this is the time to prepare your garden for months of enjoyment,” garden design expert Fiona Jenkins says.

Here are her practical tips for creating a beautiful, low-maintenance yard that doesn’t demand all your free time.

Keep It Manageable

When it comes to ﬂower beds, smaller is often smarter. Narrow beds — about one to two feet wide — are easier to plant, maintain and keep looking tidy.

Limiting plant variety can also make a big difference. Sticking to a handful of dependable options helps you better handle their needs and simpliﬁes care. Hardy perennials such as geraniums and peonies, along with evergreen shrubs, offer reliable color year after year without the need for constant replanting.

“Once established, these plants can provide lasting beauty with minimal effort,” Jenkins says. “Just be

sure you understand their watering, feeding and pruning needs before planting.”

Build A Strong Foundation

Healthy soil is the backbone of any successful garden. Investing in rich, organic soil — and refreshing it annually with compost — helps plants thrive while reducing the necessity of frequent watering and fertilizing.

Mulch is another essential. A layer of organic material such as bark, leaves or compost helps retain moisture, regulate soil temperature and keep weeds in check — all while improving soil quality over time.

“Mulching is a great way of protecting your soil and making it last longer by helping to maintain moisture levels and prevent weeds from growing,” she explains.

Add Structure With Hardscaping

Incorporating hard surfaces like decking, patios or walkways can transform a backyard into a more usable living space. These elements provide structure, deﬁne different zones and create natural gathering areas.

Composite decking remains a popular choice for its durability and low maintenance, while natural stone, concrete or porcelain pavers offer a clean, timeless look.

Thoughtful additions like built-in lighting can extend the use of your yard into the evening, adding both safety and ambiance.

For visual interest with minimal upkeep, consider a rock garden. Combining alpine plants or succulents with layered stones and pebbles creates texture and dimension — without demanding much attention.

Try Raised Beds

Raised beds are a practical solution for both ﬂowers and vegetables. They help contain plant growth, improve drainage and make gardening more accessible. Whether placed over existing soil or integrated into a patio design, they also serve as attractive focal points.

“A raised ﬂower bed will stop them from spreading out of control and add a focal point of interest to your garden,” Jenkins says.

Let Nature Take The Lead

For a softer, more natural look, consider embracing a slightly “wild” aesthetic. Swapping part of a traditional lawn for a meadow-style area can reduce maintenance while supporting pollinators.

“This isn’t to say you should let it grow completely out of control, but your garden can look beautiful with the aesthetic of a grassy meadow rather than an urban space,” she continues.

Scattering wildflower seeds introduces bursts of color and attracts bees and butterflies, creating a lively, ever-changing landscape that benefits the local ecosystem.

With thoughtful choices and a bit of early effort, your backyard can become one of your favorite places to spend time this season and throughout the year — a space that feels as welcoming and comfortable as any room inside your home.

Asbury Short Film Concert

The acclaimed national touring showcase returns with a curated showcase of standout short films — many seen by the local audience for the first time. Presented by Asbury Shorts, the New York City-based long-running short film exhibitor, the program highlights an eclectic mix, including film festival favorites and Oscar-recognized selections. The dynamic lineup spans genres, from sharp comedies like “The Tailor,” where culture and confusion collide on a Brooklyn street (pictured), to compelling dramas, inventive animation and occasional thoughtprovoking documentaries. This is a rare opportunity to experience these cinematic “hidden gems” in a true theater setting — films that often don’t reach traditional big screens. These shorts provide a window into emerging filmmakers alongside early works from directors who go on to achieve major acclaim.

Friday, April 17, 7 p.m. Madison Theatre, Molloy University, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre. Tickets available at madisontheatreny. org or (516) 323-4444.

Micky Dolenz

Micky Dolenz celebrates the 60th anniversary of The Monkees with a special tour honoring the band’s enduring legacy and timeless sound. In this nostalgic and high-spirited performance, Dolenz takes audiences on a musical journey through The Monkees’ rise to fame, performing their biggest hits in chronological order while sharing personal stories from his decades in entertainment — as he keeps the music alive for new generations As the last surviving member of the beloved group, Dolenz brings both heart and history to the stage, paying tribute to bandmates Davy Jones, Peter Tork and Michael Nesmith, while celebrating the fans who helped transform a ﬁctional TV band into a global sensation. This is sure to be a heartfelt, hit-ﬁlled evening that blends music, memories and a lasting connection to one of pop culture’s most iconic acts.

Sunday, April 19, 8 p.m. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.

Photos: Spring unfolds in your backyard, where patios, gardens and greenery set the stage to gather and unwind.

Your Neighborhood CALENDAR

APR

17

Family theater

It’s the final weekend for Long Island Children’s Museum staging of “Pete the Cat,” the charming musical based on the book series by Kimberly and James Dean. Life is certainly an adventure for Pete, no matter where he winds up. So the minute the groovy blue cat meets The Biddles, he gets the whole family rocking. That is, except for young Jimmy Biddle, the most organized second grader on planet Earth. But when Jimmy draws a blank in art class during the last week of school, it turns out Pete is the perfect pal to help him out. Together, they set out on a mission to help Jimmy conquer second grade art, and along the way, they both learn a little something new about inspiration. $11 with museum admission ($9 members), $15 theater only.

• Where: 11 Davis Ave., Garden City

• Time: 10:15 a.m. and noon.; also April 19

• Contact: licm.org or call (516) 224-5800

APR

Grooves with Danny Langdon Trio

The Danny Langdon Trio returns to Bunker Hill American Taproom for a night of classic rock favorites, great food, and drinks.

• Where: 1912 Wantagh Ave., Wantagh

• Time: 8 p.m.

• Contact: bunkerhillny.com or dannylangdon.com

Long Island Home Show

Check out the best resources in home improvement, landscaping and design services. Experts are ready to provide guidance on enhancing your living spaces, ensuring every corner of your home meets your needs and style.

• Where: Nassau Coliseum, Uniondale

• Time: 6 p.m. Opens 10 a.m., also April 19

• Contact: ticketmaster.com

‘Dog Days’ Weekend and Dog Festival

Get ready to wag those tails, at Old Westbury Gardens with your pooch (leashed of course), Bring your canine companions for a scenic stroll through grounds bursting spring’s first blooms. With a curated lineup of local pet and dog-focused vendors offering treats, accessories, services, and more — ust for your pup (and you!).

• Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury

Once upon a time in the Bronx

APR

22

Bingo at Temple B’Nai Torah

Temple B’nai Torah hosts weekly bingo with prizes, progressive games, and refreshments every Wednesday and Thursday.

• Where: 2900 Jerusalem Ave., Wantagh

• Time: Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m.; Thursdays, 7:1510 p.m.

• Contact: (516) 221-2370

Game time

APR

23

Play Mah Jongg and Canasta every Thursday at Congregation Beth Tikvah. Snacks and drinks are provided. $5 contribution.

• Where: The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington .

• Time: 7:30 p.m.

• Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com

Chazz Palminteri is back on the Paramount stage with his electrifying solo performance of “A Bronx Tale,” the autobiographical one-man show that launched his remarkable career. Raw, riveting and deeply personal, the play draws on Palminteri’s own bruising childhood in the Bronx, including the moment — at just nine-years-old — when he witnessed a gangland killing that would forever shape his view of the world. Onstage, Palminteri inhabits 18 vividly drawn characters, seamlessly shifting between friends, foes and family members to conjure an entire neighborhood with nothing but his voice, physicality and storytelling prowess. First written and performed in 1989, A Bronx Tale quickly became a sensation, hailed as one of the most sought-after stage properties since Rocky. The original production paved the way for the acclaimed film adaptation — directed by Robert De Niro—and later a hit Broadway musical. Born and raised in the Bronx, Palminteri stands firmly in the lineage of iconic Italian-American artists who redefined New York storytelling in the 1970s, including Martin Scorsese, De Niro, Al Pacino and Joe Pesci. Like them, he brings grit, muscle and an unflinching realism to his work, capturing both the violence and the humanity of life on those sidewalks. This return engagement offers audiences a chance to experience the original, powerhouse performance that started it all — up close, uncompromising and unforgettable.

• Time: 10 a.m.-6 p.m., also April 19

• Contact: oldwestburygardens. org or call (516) 333-0048

Jazzin’ with Kirk Whalum

The sax icon appears at the Madison Theatre. He blasts off with his highly-anticipated new album “Epic Cool.” an electrifying collection of original grooves. Whalum focuses on his songwriting to craft an album that’s passionate and spirited on a monumental scale, but with his trademark soul. Get ready to groove, because like his new album, Whalum is anything but ordinary.

• Where: Madison Theatre, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre

• Time: 8 p.m.

• Contact: madisontheatreny.org or (516) 323-4444

‘Romantic Rendezvous’

Old Westbury Gardens chamber ensemble in residence, Poetica Musica welcomes the season in the intimate and elegant Red Ballroom of Westbury House. Renowned pianists Javor Bracic and Angelina Gadeliya make their series debut, performing solo and duo piano works by Chopin, Schubert, Fauré, Barber, and others.The program includes

Sonata in A minor by Franz Schubert, Dolly Suite for piano four hands by Gabriel Fauré, Rondo, Op. 5 by Frédéric Chopin, Souvenirs for piano four hands by Samuel Barber, and Crimean Sketches for solo piano by Serhii Bortkiewicz. Advance ticket purchase required. A pre-concert talk will take place at 7:30 pm, followed by a reception after the concert on the West Porch. $30, $25 for members, seniors and students.

• Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury

• Time: 8-9:30 p.m.

• Contact: oldwestburygardens. org or call (516) 333-0048

APR

19

Megan Hilty in concert

Direct from her Tony-nominated performance as Madeline Ashton in Broadway’s “Death Becomes Her,” Adelphi welcomes Tony, Grammy and Critics Choice Award-nominated actor-singer Megan Hilty to the stage. Enjoy an intimate afternoon of music with her Grammy-nominated pianist and music director Matt Cusson.

• Where: Adelphi University Performing Arts Center, 1 South Ave., Garden City

• Time: 3 p.m.

• Contact: adelphi.edu/pac or (516) 877-4000

Total Empower

5K

The inaugural Total Empower 5K at Cedar Creek Park celebrates health, strength, and personal empowerment for all ages and fitness levels. The event includes a 5K Run/Walk and Kids Fun Run, supporting Paws of War, an organization providing service dogs to veterans and first responders.

• Where: Cedar Creek Park, 3340 Merrick Road, Seaford

• Time: 9 a.m.

• Contact: pawsofwar.org

APR

20 Hofstra Jazz Ensemble

All are welcome to“An Evening of Jazz,” with the Hofstra University Jazz Ensemble and Vocal Jazz Quartet. The ensembles perform original student arrangements and traditional jazz repertoire.

• Where: Hofstra’s Helene Fortunoff Theater, Monroe Lecture Center, South Campus, Hempstead

• Time: 7 p.m.

• Contact: hofstra.universitytickets. com or call the Hofstra Box Office at (516) 463-6644

• Where: 3710 Woodbine Ave., Wantagh

• Time: Noon-4 p.m.

• Contact: mahjonggCBT@yahoo. com or (516) 785-2445

APR

Wantagh

American Legion 1273 banner display

Honor local veterans and active military with commemorative banners displayed along Wantagh and Railroad Avenues, celebrating the 250th birthday of our nation. Submit a completed application with photo, service verification and payment to sponsor a banner recognizing a cherished hero.

• Where: 3484 Park Ave., Wantagh

• Time: Ongoing

• Contact: Walpost1273@gmail. com

Having an event?

Items on the Calendar page are listed free of charge. The Herald welcomes listings of upcoming events, community meetings and items of public interest. All submissions should include date, time and location of the event, cost, and a contact name and phone number. Submissions can be emailed to kbloom@ liherald.com.

Locals preserving Wantagh’s rich heritage

accessible to the community.

“Wantagh has such a rich history, and we want to preserve everything we can,” Obergh said. “These markers are a way for people to connect with that history in their everyday lives. For example, everyone shops at Cherrywood Shopping Center, but it’s a site that dates to the 1600s, when the Seaman family built their first house.”

She added that the group hopes the restoration effort will encourage more residents to take an interest in local landmarks and stories.

“It’s not just about putting signs back up,” Obergh said. “It’s about reminding people that Wantagh’s history is a piece of American heritage that deserves to be preserved.”

Strang’s contributions to the hamlet extended over the subsequent decades. Years later, she helped document local history, including coauthoring booklets on Wantagh’s cemeteries that are still used today.

t’s not just about putting signs back up. It’s about reminding people that Wantagh’s

“If she hadn’t done all this work so many years ago, a lot of this would have been lost,” Watson said.

As part of the initiative, a new marker will be installed at Strang’s former and Watson’s current home, which is across the Wantagh Public Library parking lot from the library.

“That sign should be going up within a month or two,” Watson said. “So that’s another way her legacy will continue.”

Beth OBergh President, Wantagh Preservation Society

For Watson, the project carries a deeper, more personal significance. He lives in the former home of the late Helen Strang, the Wantagh resident who helped create the original site markers nearly a century ago, in the 1930s.

The Preservation Society is now working to identify and replace the remaining missing markers. Organizers say the effort is about more than restoring physical signs: It’s about preserving a sense of community identity.

“These markers give context to the places people pass every day,” Jurs said. “They remind you that there’s a story

behind everything here.” Obergh echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the broader goal of keeping Wantagh’s history visible for future generations. “We just want to keep that history alive,” she said. “Once people start to notice it, they start to appreciate it — and that’s what this is all about.”

Residents who are interested in donating can make contributions at gofundme.com/f/support-wantaghpreservation-societys-mission, or at the Wantagh Museum, where the Preservation Society is based.

Courtesy Catskill Casting Company

an example of the cast-iron signage the preservation Society is raising money for.

BUSINESS & TRANSACTIONAL

JOSEPH G. MILIZIO

Managing Partner Vishnick McGovern Milizio, LLP

RACHELLE ROSENBERG, ESQ.

Partner Abrams Fensterman

RALPH ROSELLA

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COMPLEX TORT & GENERAL CASUALTY

CAV. NICHOLAS R. CAIAZZO

Partner/Trial Attorney Wilson Elser

CORPORATE & SECURITIES

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Partner Ruskin Moscou Faltischek, P.C.

DEBT SOLUTIONS

LESLIE H. TAYNE

Founder & Managing Director Tayne Law Group, P.C.

EMPLOYMENT & BUSINESS LITIGATION

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Sahn Ward Braff Coschignano, PLLC

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Partner Stockman & Poropat, PPLC

ESTATE PLANNING/ ELDER LAW

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Founder & Managing Partner Tully Law Group, P.C.

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Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING, BUDGET VOTE AND ELECTION OF THE WANTAGH UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT WANTAGH, NASSAU COUNTY, NEW YORK

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that a Public Hearing of the qualified voters of the WANTAGH UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT, Nassau County, Wantagh, New York will be held in the Senior High School, Wantagh, New York, in said school district on May 7, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. prevailing time, for the transaction of business as authorized by the Education Law, including the following items:

1. To present to the voters a detailed statement (proposed budget) of the amount of money which will be required for the 2026-27 fiscal year.

2. To discuss all the items hereinafter set forth to be voted upon by voting machines at the Budget Vote and Election to be held on Tuesday, May 19, 2026.

3. To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting pursuant to Education Law of the State of New York and acts amendatory thereto.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that a copy of a detailed statement in writing of the amount of money which will be required for the 2026/27 school year for school purposes (the proposed budget) will be made available, upon request, to any resident of the District between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., prevailing time, beginning April 30, 2026, except Saturday, Sunday or holidays, at the office of the Assistant Superintendent for Business, Administration Building, 3301 Beltagh Avenue, Wantagh, New York 11793, at each school house in the District, at school district offices, on the District’s website at www.wantaghschools. org, and at the Wantagh Public Library.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that said Budget Vote and Election will be held on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., prevailing time, in

the Three (3) Election Districts, described below, at which time the polls will be opened to vote by voting machine upon the following items:

1. To adopt the annual budget of the School District for the fiscal year 2026/27 and to authorize the requisite portion thereof to be raised by taxation on the taxable property of the District.

2. Shall the Board of Education be authorized pursuant to Section 3651 of the Education Law to expend an amount not to exceed One Million Seven Hundred Forty Thousand Dollars ($1,740,000) (including accrued interest) from the Capital Reserve Fund established by voters of the School District at the annual meeting held on May 21, 2024 (“Reserve Funds”) for the following projects: rooftop HVAC unit replacement at the Wantagh High School auditorium, patrial roof replacement at Wantagh High School, and the purchase and installation of field lighting for the Wantagh High School turf field, all of the foregoing to include site improvements, furnishings, equipment, apparatus, machinery, demolition and other incidental work or improvements required in connection therewith, and to expend from the Reserve Funds therefor, including preliminary costs and costs incidental thereto an amount not to exceed the total estimated cost of One Million Seven Hundred Forty Thousand Dollars ($1,740,000) (including accrued interest); such costs of the components of the capital improvements/ projects may be reallocated among such components/projects as the Board of Education shall determine to be in the best interest of the District.

3. Shall the Board of Education of the Wantagh Union Free School District be authorized to sell the parcel, real property, school building, and other structures thereon, situated at 1865 Beech Street, Wantagh, New York located in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of New York, and collectively designated on the Nassau County Land and Tax Map as Section

56, Block 462, Lot 68, Section 57, Block 058, Lot 01, Section 63, Block 167, Lot 28, Section 63, Block 172, Lot 27, and Section 63, Block 169, Lot 29 to Brah Property Owners Inc. at a price at or about One Million Seventy-Five Thousand Dollars ($1,075,000), subject to adjustments in accordance with the Purchase and Sale Agreement; as more fully described in a legal description on file in the Office of the Assistant Superintendent for Business; which sale shall be on substantially the terms and conditions set forth in a Purchase and Sale Agreement, on file in the Office of the Assistant Superintendent for Business.

4. To elect two (2) members of the Board of Education for a three-year term commencing July 1, 2026 and expiring on June 30, 2029.

AND FURTHER NOTICE

IS HEREBY GIVEN, that pursuant to Section 495 of the Real Property Tax Law, the School District is required to attach to its proposed budget an exemption report. Said exemption report, which will also become part of the final budget, will show how much of the total assessed value on the final assessment roll used in the budgetary process is exempt from taxation, list every type of exemption granted, identified by statutory authority, and show: (a) the cumulative impact of each type of exemption expressed either as a dollar amount of assessed value or as a percentage of the total assessed value on the roll; (b) the cumulative amount expected to be received from recipients of each type of exemption as payments in lieu of taxes or other payments for municipal services; and (c) the cumulative impact of all exemptions granted. The exemption report shall be posted on any bulletin board maintained by the District for public notices and on any website maintained by the District.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that petitions nominating candidates for the office of member of the Board of Education shall be filed with the Clerk of said School District at her office in the Administration

Building, 3301 Beltagh Avenue, Wantagh, New York 11793, not later than April 20, 2026, between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., prevailing time. Vacancies on the Board of Education are not considered separate, specific offices; candidates run at large. Nominating petitions shall not describe any specific vacancy upon the Board for which the candidate is nominated; must be directed to the Clerk of the District; must be signed by at least forty-five (45) qualified voters of the District (representing the greater of twentyfive (25) qualified voters or 2% of the number of voters who voted in the previous annual election); must state the name and residence of each signer, and, must state the name and residence of the candidate.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that personal registration of voters is required either pursuant to §2014 of the Education Law or pursuant to Article 5 of the Election Law. If a voter has heretofore registered pursuant to §2014 of the Education Law and has voted at an annual or special district meeting within the last four (4) calendar years, he or she is eligible to vote at this election. If a voter is registered and eligible to vote under Article 5 of the Election Law, he or she is also eligible to vote at this election. All other persons who wish to vote must register.

Registration shall be conducted for the purpose of registering all qualified voters of the District pursuant to §2014 of the Education Law through Thursday, May 14, 2026, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., prevailing time, on all regular days during which the office of the District Clerk is in operation, located in the Administration Building, 3301 Beltagh Avenue, Wantagh, New York 11793, at which time any person will be entitled to have his or her name placed on such register, provided that at such time he or she is known or proven to the satisfaction of said District Clerk to be then or thereafter entitled to vote at such election for which the register is prepared. The Board of Registration will also meet for the purpose of registering all qualified voters of the District

pursuant to §2014 of the Education Law on Saturday, May 9, 2026, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 pm., at the Administration Building, 3301 Beltagh Avenue, Wantagh, New York 11793, to add any additional names to the Register to be used at the aforesaid election, at which time any person will be entitled to have his or her name placed on such Register, provided that at such meeting of the Board of Registration he or she is known or proven to the satisfaction of said Board of Registration to be then or thereafter entitled to vote at such election for which the register is prepared. The last day to register shall be Thursday, May 14, 2026. The register so prepared pursuant to §2014 of the Education Law will be filed in the Office of the District Clerk, 3301 Beltagh Avenue, Wantagh, New York 11793, and will be open for inspection by any qualified voter of the District beginning on Thursday, May 14, 2026, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., prevailing time, on weekdays, and each day prior to the day set for the election, except Sunday, and on Saturday, May 16, 2026 between the hours of 9:00 a.m., and 12:00 p.m., and at the polling place(s) on the day of the vote.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that military voters who are not currently registered may apply to register as a qualified voter of the Wantagh Union Free School District by requesting and returning a registration application to the District Clerk in person, by mail to 3301 Beltagh Avenue, Wantagh, New York 11793, by email to mcguigane@ wantaghschools.org or fax sent to (516) 7654154. The request for the registration application may include the military voter’s preference for receipt of the registration application by either mail, fax or email. Military voter registration application forms must be received in the office of the District Clerk no later than 5:00 p.m. on April 23, 2026.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that military voters who are qualified voters of the Wantagh Union Free School District, may request an application

for a military ballot from the District Clerk in person, by mail to 3301 Beltagh Avenue, Wantagh, New York 11793, by email to mcguigane@ wantaghschools.org, or fax sent to (516) 765-4154. In such request, the military voter may indicate their preference for receiving the application by mail, fax or email. A military voter must return the original military ballot application by mail or in person to the office of the District Clerk at 3301 Beltagh Avenue, Wantagh, New York 11793. In order for a military voter to be issued a military ballot, a valid military ballot application must be received in the office of the District Clerk no later than 5:00 p.m., on April 23, 2026. Military ballot applications received in accordance with the foregoing will be processed in the same manner as a non-military ballot application under Section 2018-a of the Education Law. The application for military ballot may include the military voter’s preference for receipt of the military ballot by mail, fax, or email.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that a military voter’s original military ballot must be returned by mail or in person to the office of the District Clerk at 3301 Beltagh Avenue, Wantagh, New York 11793. Military ballots shall be canvassed if they are received by the District Clerk before the close of polls on May 19, 2026 showing a cancellation mark of the United States Postal Service or a foreign country’s postal service, or showing a dated endorsement of receipt by another agency of the United States Government; or received not later than 5:00 p.m. on May 19, 2026 and signed and dated by the military voter and one witness thereto, with a date which is ascertained to be not later than the day before the election.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that pursuant to §2014 of the Education Law of the State of New York, the Board of Registration will meet on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., prevailing time, at each of the three (3) separate election districts to

prepare the Register of the School District to be used at the Budget Vote and Election to be held in 2027, and any special district meetings that may be held after the preparation of said Register, at which time any person will be entitled to have his or her name placed on such Register provided that at such meeting of said Board of Registration he or she is known or proven to the satisfaction of such Board of Registration to be then or thereafter entitled to vote at the school election for which said Register is prepared, or any special district meeting held after May 19, 2026.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that applications for absentee and early mail ballots will be obtainable during school business hours from the District Clerk. Completed applications may not be received by the District Clerk earlier than April 20, 2026, and must be received by the District Clerk at least seven (7) days before the election if the ballot is to be mailed to the voter, or the day before the election, if the ballot is to be delivered personally to the voter or to the agent named in the absentee or early mail ballot application. Absentee and early mail ballots must be received by the District Clerk not later than 5:00 p.m., prevailing time, on Tuesday, May 19, 2026.

A list of persons to whom absentee ballots shall have been issued, and a list of all persons to whom early mail voter’s ballots shall have been issued, will be available for inspection to qualified voters of the District in the office of the District Clerk on and after Thursday, May 14, 2026, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on weekdays prior to the day set for the annual election and on May 19, 2026, the day set for the election. Any qualified voter may, upon examination of such lists, file a written challenge of the qualifications as a voter of any person whose name appears on such lists, stating the reasons for such challenge. Any such written challenge shall be transmitted by the District Clerk or a designee of the Board of Education to the inspectors of election on election day.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that any referenda or propositions to amend the budget, or otherwise to be submitted for voting at said election, must be filed with the District Clerk of the Board of Education at the Administration Building, 3301 Beltagh Avenue, Wantagh, New York 11793, on or before April 20, 2026, at 4:00 p.m., prevailing time, except that referenda or propositions required by law to be included in the notice of the annual meeting must be filed with the District Clerk on or before March 20, 2026, at 4:00 p.m.; must be typed or printed in the English language; must be directed to the Clerk of the School District; must be signed by at least one hundred eleven (111) qualified voters of the District (representing the greater of 25 or 5% of the number of voters who voted in the previous annual election); and must legibly state the name of each signer. However, the School Board will not entertain any petition to place before the voters any proposition the purpose of which is not within the powers of the voters to determine, which is unlawful or any proposition which fails to include a specific appropriation where the expenditure of monies is required by the proposition, or where other valid reason exists for excluding the proposition from the ballot.

SCHOOL ELECTION DISTRICTS

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that Election Districts have been established in the School District. The boundaries of the Election Districts, as adopted by resolution of the Board of Education, and the place in each election district for voting shall be as follows:

ELECTION DISTRICT

NO. 1 - All voters who reside south of Sunrise Highway vote at the Mandalay Elementary School, 2667 Bayview Avenue, Wantagh, New York 11793.

ELECTION DISTRICT

NO. 2 - All voters who reside north of Sunrise Highway and East of Wantagh Parkway vote at the Wantagh Elementary School, 1765 Beech Street Wantagh, New York 11793.

16,

Public Notices

ELECTION DISTRICT

NO. 3 - All voters who reside north of Sunrise Highway and West of Wantagh Parkway, vote at the Forest Lake Elementary School, 3100 Beltagh Avenue, Wantagh, New York 11793.

Dated: Wantagh, New York March 26, 2026

By Order of the BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE WANTAGH UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT

Wantagh, New York

Elaine McGuigan, District Clerk 159210

To Place A Notice Call 516-569-4000 x232

LEGAL NOTICE AVISO DE AUDIENCIA PÚBLICA, VOTACIÓN PRESUPUESTARIA Y ELECCIÓN DEL DISTRITO ESCOLAR LIBRE DE WANTAGH UNION WANTAGH, CONDADO DE NASSAU, NUEVA YORK

SE EMITE NOTIFICACIÓN DE QUE

SE CELEBRARÁ UNA AUDIENCIA PÚBLICA DE LOS VOTANTES CUALIFICADOS DEL DISTRITO ESCOLAR LIBRE DE LA UNIÓN DE WANTAGH, Condado de Nassau, Wantagh, Nueva York, en la Escuela Secundaria de Wantagh, Nueva York, en dicho distrito escolar, el 7 de mayo de 2026, a las 20:00 horas, para la transacción de negocios según lo autorizado por la Ley de Educación, incluyendo los siguientes elementos:

1. Presentar a los votantes una declaración detallada (propuesta de presupuesto) sobre la cantidad de dinero que se requerirá para el año fiscal 2026-27.

2. Debatir todos los puntos que a continuación se exponen a votación por las máquinas de votación en la Votación Presupuestaria y Elección que se celebrará el martes 19 de mayo de 2026.

3. Realizar otros asuntos que debidamente se presenten ante la reunión conforme a la Ley de Educación del Estado de Nueva York y actos enmiendos a la misma.

Y SE DA UN AVISO

ADICIONAL de que una copia de una declaración detallada por escrito sobre la

cantidad de dinero que se requerirá para el curso escolar 2026/27 para fines escolares (el presupuesto propuesto) estará disponible, previa solicitud, para cualquier residente del Distrito entre las 8:00 a.m. y las 4:00 p.m., en el horario vigente, a partir del 30 de abril de 2026, excepto sábados, domingos o festivos, en la oficina del Subsuperintendente de Negocios, Edificio de Administración, 3301 Beltagh Avenue, Wantagh, Nueva York 11793, en cada escuela del Distrito, en las oficinas del distrito escolar, en la página web del Distrito en www.wantaghschools. org y en la Biblioteca Pública de Wantagh.

Y SE DA UN AVISO

ADICIONAL de que dicha votación presupuestaria y elección se celebrarán el martes 19 de mayo de 2026, entre las 7:00 y las 21:00 horas, hora vigente, en los tres (3) distritos electorales descritos a continuación, momento en el que las urnas se abrirán a votación mediante máquina de votación sobre los siguientes puntos:

1. Adoptar el presupuesto anual del Distrito Escolar para el año fiscal 2026/27 y autorizar que la parte requerida del mismo se recaude, mediante impuestos, sobre la propiedad sujeta a impuestos del Distrito.

2. ¿Deberá autorizar a la Junta de Educación conforme a la Sección 3651 de la Ley de Educación a gastar una cantidad que no exceda un millón setecientos cuarenta mil dólares (1,740,000 dólares) (incluidos los intereses acumulados) del Fondo de Reserva de Capital establecido por los votantes del distrito escolar en la reunión anual celebrada el 21 de mayo de 2024 (“Fondos de Reserva”) para los siguientes proyectos: sustitución de la unidad HVAC en la azotea del auditorio del Instituto Wantagh, sustitución patrial del tejado en el Instituto Wantagh y la compra y la instalación de iluminación para el campo de césped del instituto Wantagh, incluyendo todas las mejoras del lugar, mobiliario, equipo, aparatos, maquinaria, demolición y otros trabajos o mejoras incidentales necesarias en relación con ello, y que se gastarán de

los Fondos de Reserva para ello, incluyendo los costes preliminares y los gastos anexos, una cantidad que no exceda el coste total estimado de un millón setecientos cuarenta mil dólares (1,740,000 dólares) (incluyendo acumulados interés); los costes de los componentes de las mejoras de capital/ proyectos podrán reasignarse entre aquellos componentes/ proyectos que la Junta de Educación determine que son en el mejor interés del Distrito.

3. ¿Se autorizará a la Junta de Educación del Distrito Escolar Libre de Wantagh Union a vender la parcela, la propiedad inmobiliaria, el edificio escolar y otras estructuras en la que se encuentran en el 1865 de Beech Street, Wantagh, Nueva York, situada en el municipio de Hempstead, condado de Nassau, Estado de Nueva York, y designada colectivamente en el Mapa de Tierras e Impuestos del Condado de Nassau como Sección 56, Bloque 462, Lote 68, Sección 57, Bloque 058, Lote 01, Sección 63, Bloque 167, Lote 28, Secciónno 63, Bloque 172, Lote 27, y Sección 63, Bloque 169, Lote 29 a Brah Property Owners Inc. a un precio de aproximadamente un millón setenta y cinco toneladas de dólares (1,075,000 dólares), sujeto a ajustes conforme al Acuerdo de Compra y Venta; según se describe más detalladamente en un documento legal de despensasescapón archivado en la Oficina del Subsuperintendente de Negocioss; cuya venta se realizará en sustancia los términos y condiciones establecidos en una Compra y Acuerdo de Compra, archivada en la Oficinadel Subsuperintendentede Negocios.

4. Elegir dos (2) miembros de la Junta de Educación para un mandato de tres años que comienza el 1 de julio de 2026 y expira el 30 de junio de 2029.

Y SE DA UN AVISO ADICIONAL de que, conforme a la Sección 495 de la Ley del Impuesto sobre la Propiedad Inmobiliaria, el Distrito Escolar está obligado a adjuntar a su presupuesto propuesto un informe de exención. Dicho informe de exención, que también formará

parte del presupuesto final, mostrará cuánto del valor total tasado en el registro final de evaluación utilizado en el proceso presupuestario está exento de impuestos, listará todos los tipos de exenciones concedidas identificadas por la autoridad legal y mostrará: (a) el impacto acumulativo de cada tipo de exención expresado ya sea como una cantidad en dólares de valor impuesto o como un porcentaje del valor total registrado en el registro; (b) la cantidad acumulada que se espera recibir de los beneficiarios de cada tipo de exención como pagos en lugar de impuestos u otros pagos por servicios municipales; y (c) el impacto acumulativo de todas las exenciones concedidas. El informe de exención se publicará en cualquier tablón de anuncios mantenido por el Distrito para los avisos públicos y en cualquier sitio web gestionado por el Distrito.

Y SE DA UN AVISO ADICIONAL de que las peticiones que nominen candidatos para el cargo de miembro de la Junta de Educación deberán presentarse ante la Secretaria de dicho distrito escolar en su oficina en el Edificio de Administración, 3301 Beltagh Avenue, Wantagh, Nueva York 11793, a más tardar el 20 de abril de 2026, entre las 8:00 a.m. y las 5:00 p.m., Prevaleciendo. Las vacantes en la Junta de Educación no se consideran cargos separados o específicos; los candidatos se presentan en la categoría de votos libres. Las peticiones de nominación no describirán ninguna vacante específica en la Junta para la que el candidato sea nominado; debe ser dirigido al Secretario del Distrito; deben estar firmados por al menos cuarenta y cinco (45) votantes cualificados del Distrito (representando la mayoría de los veinticinco (25) votantes cualificados o el 2% del número de votantes que votaron en la elección anual anterior); debe indicar el nombre y la residencia de cada firmante, y debe indicar el nombre y la residencia del candidato.

Y SE DA UN AVISO ADICIONAL de que el registro personal de votantes es obligatorio de acuerdo con el §2014

de la Ley de Educación o conforme al artículo 5 de la Ley Electoral. Si un votante se ha registrado hasta ahora conforme a la §2014 de la Ley de Educación y ha votado en una reunión anual o extraordinaria de distrito en los últimos cuatro (4) años naturales, es elegible para votar en estas elecciones. Si un votante está registrado y es elegible para votar según el Artículo 5 de la Ley Electoral, también es elegible para votar en estas elecciones. Todas las demás personas que deseen votar deben registrarse.

El registro se realizará con el fin de registrar a todos los votantes cualificados del Distrito conforme a la §2014 de la Ley de Educación hasta el jueves 14 de mayo de 2026, entre las 8:00 a.m. y las 4:00 p.m., hora vigente, en todos los días ordinarios en que la oficina del Secretario del Distrito esté en funcionamiento, ubicada en el Edificio de Administración, 3301 Beltagh Avenue, Wantagh, Nueva York 11793, momento en el que cualquier persona tendrá derecho a que su nombre se incluya en dicho registro, siempre que en ese momento se sepa o se demuestre que tiene derecho a votar en la elección para la que se prepare el registro. La Junta de Registro también se reunirá con el propósito de registrar a todos los votantes cualificados del Distrito conforme a la §2014 de la Ley de Educación el sábado 9 de mayo de 2026, entre las 9:00 a.m. y la 1:00 pm, en el Edificio de Administración, 3301 Beltagh Avenue, Wantagh, Nueva York 11793, para añadir cualquier nombre adicional al Registro que se utilice en dicha elección, en ese momento, cualquier persona tendrá derecho a que su nombre se incluya en dicho Registro, siempre que en dicha reunión de la Junta de Registro se sepa o se demuestre a satisfacción de dicha Junta de Registro que tiene derecho a votar en la elección para la que se prepare el registro. El último día para registrarse será el jueves 14 de mayo de 2026. El registro así preparado conforme al §2014 de la Ley de Educación se archivará en la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito, 3301 Beltagh Avenue, Wantagh, Nueva York 11793, y

estará abierto para inspección por cualquier votante cualificado del Distrito a partir del jueves 14 de mayo de 2026, entre las 9:00 a.m. y la 1:00 p.m. en horario predominante, entre semana y cada día anterior al día fijado para la elección, excepto el domingo, y el sábado 16 de mayo de 2026 entre las 9:00 a.m. y las 12:00 p.m., y en el/los colegio(s) de votación el día de la votación.

Y SE DA UN AVISO ADICIONAL de que los votantes militares que no estén actualmente registrados pueden solicitar registrarse como votantes cualificados en el Distrito Escolar Libre de Wantagh Union solicitando y enviando una solicitud de registro al Secretario del Distrito en persona, por correo postal a 3301 Beltagh Avenue, Wantagh, Nueva York 11793, por correo electrónico a mcguigane@ wantaghschools.org o por fax enviado al (516) 765-4154. La solicitud de registro puede incluir la preferencia del votante militar para recibir la solicitud de registro por correo, fax o correo electrónico. Los formularios de solicitud de registro de votantes militares deben recibirse en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito a más tardar a las 17:00 horas del 23 de abril de 2026.

Y SE DA UN AVISO

Registro esté preparada, o cualquier reunión especial de distrito celebrada después del 19 de mayo de 2026.

Y SE DA UN AVISO ADICIONAL de que la papeleta militar original de un votante militar debe ser devolta por correo o en persona a la oficina del Secretario del Distrito en 3301 Beltagh Avenue, Wantagh, Nueva York 11793. Las papeletas militares deberán ser consultadas si el Secretario del Distrito las recibe antes del cierre de las urnas el 19 de mayo de 2026 mostrando una marca de cancelación del Servicio Postal de los Estados Unidos o del servicio postal de un país extranjero, o un endoso fechado de recepción por parte de otra agencia del Gobierno de los Estados Unidos; o recibido no más tarde de las 17:00 horas del 19 de mayo de 2026 y firmado y fechado por el votante militar y un testigo, con una fecha que se determina no posterior al día anterior a las elecciones.

Y SE DA UN AVISO

ADICIONAL de que, conforme a la §2014 de la Ley de Educación del Estado de Nueva York, la Junta de Registro se reunirá el martes 19 de mayo de 2026, entre las 7:00 a.m. y las 9:00 p.m., hora vigente, en cada uno de los tres (3) distritos electorales separados para preparar el Registro del Distrito Escolar que se utilizará en la votación presupuestaria y la elección que se celebrarán en 2027, y cualquier reunión especial de distrito que pueda celebrarse después de la preparación de dicho Registro, en la que cualquier persona tendrá derecho a que su nombre se incluya en dicho Registro, siempre que en dicha reunión de dicha Junta de Registro se sepa o se demuestre a satisfacción de dicha Junta de Registro que tiene derecho a voto en la elección escolar para la que dicho

ADICIONAL de que los votantes militares que sean votantes cualificados del Distrito Escolar Libre de Wantagh Union podrán solicitar personalmente al secretario del distrito una solicitud de voto militar, por correo postal a 3301 Beltagh Avenue, Wantagh, Nueva York 11793, por correo electrónico a mcguigane@ wantaghschools.org, o por fax enviado al (516) 765-4154. En dicha solicitud, el votante militar puede indicar su preferencia por recibir la solicitud por correo, fax o correo electrónico. Un votante militar debe devolver la solicitud original de la papeleta militar por correo o en persona a la oficina del Secretario del Distrito en 3301 Beltagh Avenue, Wantagh, Nueva York 11793. Para que un votante militar reciba una papeleta militar, debe recibirse una solicitud válida de papeleta militar en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito a más tardar a las 17:00 horas del 23 de abril de 2026. Las solicitudes de papeleta militar recibidas conforme a lo anterior se tramitarán de la misma manera que una solicitud de papeleta no militar conforme a la Sección 2018-a de la Ley de Educación. La solicitud de la papeleta militar puede incluir la preferencia del votante militar para recibir la papeleta militar por correo, fax o correo electrónico.

Y SE DA UN AVISO ADICIONAL de que las solicitudes para votos por correo anticipado y por correo estarán disponibles durante el horario laboral escolar a través del Secretario del Distrito. Las solicitudes completadas no pueden ser recibidas por el Secretario del Distrito antes del 20 de abril de 2026, y deben ser recibidas por el Secretario del Distrito al menos siete (7) días antes de la elección si la papeleta se enviará por correo al votante, o el día antes de la elección, si la papeleta debe entregarse personalmente al votante o al agente nombrado en la solicitud de voto por correo anticipado o por correo. Las papeletas por correo y por correo anticipado deben ser recibidas por el Secretario del Distrito a más tardar a las 17:00 horas, hora vigente, del martes 19 de mayo de 2026.

Una lista de personas a quienes se hayan emitido papeletas de voto por correo, y una lista de todas las personas a quienes se hayan emitido papeletas anticipadas de votantes por correo, estará disponible para su inspección para votantes cualificados del Distrito en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito a partir del jueves 14 de mayo de 2026, entre las 9:00 a.m. y las 5:00 p.m. los días laborables antes del día fijado para las elecciones anuales y el 19 de mayo de 2026, día fijado para la elección. Cualquier votante cualificado podrá, tras examinar dichas listas, presentar una impugnación por escrito de las cualificaciones como votante de cualquier persona cuyo nombre aparezca en dichas listas, exponiendo los motivos de dicha impugnación. Cualquier impugnación escrita será transmitida por el Secretario del Distrito o por un representante de la Junta de Educación a los inspectores de elecciones el día de la elección.

Y SE DA UN AVISO ADICIONAL de que cualquier referendo o propuesta para enmendar el presupuesto, o que se someta a votación

Public Notices

en dicha elección, debe presentarse ante el Secretario del Distrito de la Junta de Educación en el Edificio de Administración, 3301 Beltagh Avenue, Wantagh, Nueva York 11793, antes del 20 de abril de 2026, a las 16:00, en el tiempo vigente, salvo que los referendos o propuestas que la ley requiera incluirse en el aviso de la reunión anual deban presentarse al Secretario del Distrito en o antes 20 de marzo de 2026, a las 16:00; debe estar mecanografiada o impresa en inglés; debe dirigirse al Secretario del Distrito Escolar; debe estar firmado por al menos ciento once (111) votantes cualificados del Distrito (representando la mayor parte del 25 o el 5% del número de votantes que votaron en la elección anual anterior); y debe indicar legiblemente el nombre de cada firmante. Sin embargo, la Junta Escolar no admitirá ninguna petición para presentar ante los votantes ninguna propuesta cuyo propósito no esté dentro de las competencias de los votantes para determinar que sea ilegal, ni ninguna propuesta que no incluya una asignación específica cuando la propuesta requiera el gasto de fondos, o cuando exista otra razón válida para excluir la propuesta de la papeleta.

DISTRITOS ELECTORALES ESCOLARES

Y SE DA MÁS AVISO de que se han establecido Distritos Electorales en el Distrito Escolar. Los límites de los distritos electorales, adoptados por resolución de la Junta de Educación, y el lugar en cada distrito electoral para votar serán los siguientes:

DISTRITO ELECTORAL Nº

1 - Todos los votantes que residen al sur de Sunrise Highway votan en la escuela primaria Mandalay, 2667 Bayview Avenue, Wantagh, Nueva York 11793.

DISTRITO ELECTORAL Nº

2 - Todos los votantes que residen al norte de Sunrise Highway y al este de Wantagh Parkway votan en la escuela primaria de Wantagh, 1765 Beech Street, Wantagh, Nueva York 11793.

DISTRITO ELECTORAL Nº

3 - Todos los votantes que residan al norte de Sunrise Highway y al oeste de Wantagh Parkway, voten en la escuela primaria Forest Lake, 3100 Beltagh Avenue, Wantagh, Nueva York 11793.

Fechado: Wantagh, Nueva York

26 de marzo de 2026

Por orden de la CONSEJO DE EDUCACIÓN DE LA DISTRITO ESCOLAR LIBRE DE WANTAGH UNION

Wantagh, Nueva York

Elaine McGuigan, secretaria del distrito 159212

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING, ELECTION AND PERSONAL REGISTRATION, LEVITTOWN UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, NASSAU COUNTY, NEW YORK.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that the Annual Meeting of the School District, the vote on the School District budget and election of candidates for the School Board of Levittown Union Free School District, Town of Hempstead, Nassau County, New York, and the vote on the Public Library budget and election of a candidate for the Board of Trustees for the Levittown Public Library, will be held in the several election districts of the School District at the voting places designated below on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 between the hours of 7:00 AM and 8:00 PM, to vote by ballot on voting machines on the proposition or propositions set forth below, as well as any other propositions which may properly come before the electorate, and to elect members of the Board of Education and to elect a member of the Library Board of Trustees. Shall the following resolutions be adopted:

PROPOSITION NO.

1 SCHOOL DISTRICT BUDGET

BE IT RESOLVED, that the School District budget for the fiscal year commencing July 1, 2026 and ending June 30, 2027, as presented to the Board of Education, in the amount of $284,420,293 approved and the necessary taxes be levied therefore on the taxable real property of the district.

PROPOSITION NO. 2

EXPENDITURE OF THE 2023 CAPITAL RESERVE FUND AND UNASSIGNED FUND BALANCE FOR SCHOOL BUILDING IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Levittown Union Free School District be hereby authorized to appropriate the balance of the District’s Reserve Funds as follows: 2023 Capital Reserve in the amount of $4,600,000

In addition, the Board of Education is hereby authorized to appropriate up to the sum of $10,400,000 in unassigned fund balance. So that the total appropriation in an amount not to exceed $15,000,000 is hereby approved for purposes of performing school building improvement projects, including Districtwide electrical system upgrades; District-wide roof reconditioning and replacement; District-wide interior and exterior masonry restoration; District wide athletic facilities including the addition of restrooms at our high school athletic fields as well as playground reconstruction and indoor practice facilities; District-wide asbestos abatement projects; District-wide roadway reconstruction and site improvements; District-wide bathroom reconstruction; Districtwide instructional space renovations, and for any similar projects as contained in the District’s five year Capital Facilities Plan adopted by the Board of Education on March 25, 2026. Expenditures from the Capital Reserves will not increase the tax levy.

PROPOSITION NO. 3 LIBRARY BUDGET RESOLVED, that the Public Library Budget for the fiscal year 20262027 proposed by the Library Board of Trustees of the Levittown Public Library heretofore filed pursuant to law shall be approved and the necessary taxes be levied therefore on the taxable real property of the district.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN, that petitions nominating candidates for the office of member of the Board of Education and for the office of member

of the Library Board of Trustees must be filed with the District Clerk between the hours of 8:00 AM and 1:00 PM Monday through Friday but no later than between the hours of 9:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M. on April 20, 2026. Forms of the petitions may be obtained from the District Clerk.

The following vacancies are to be filled on the Board of Education: Three (3) members each for the term of three (3) years, commencing July 1, 2026 and expiring June 30, 2029.

A separate petition is required to nominate a candidate for member of the Board of Education. The three candidates receiving the highest number of votes shall be elected. Each petition must be directed to the District Clerk, must be signed by at least twenty-five (25) qualified voters of the District, or 2% of the voters who voted in the 2025 election, whichever is greater, and shall state the residence of each person who signed, must state the name and residence of the candidate and the length of the term of office. This year all nominating petitions must include 41 signatures.

The following vacancies are to be filled on the Library Board of Trustees: One (1) member for the term of five (5) years, commencing July 1, 2026 and ending June 30, 2031.

A separate petition is required to nominate a candidate for member of the Library Board of Trustees. The candidate receiving the highest number of votes will be elected to the term which ends June 30, 2031. Each petition must be directed to the District Clerk, must be signed by at least twenty-five (25) qualified voters of the District, or 2% of the voters who voted in the 2025 election for members of the Library Board of Trustees, whichever is greater, and shall state the residence of each person who signed, must state the name and residence of the candidate and the length of the term of office. This year all nominating petitions must include 38 signatures.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN, that a statement

of estimated expenses for the 2026-2027 school year will be presented at a Public Hearing on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at 7:30 PM in the Board Meeting Room of the Levittown Memorial Education Center and copies of such

statement, as well as the statement of the amount of money required for the 20262027 fiscal year of the Public Library, will be made available on the District’s website and at each schoolhouse and library in the District during the hours of 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM on each day other than a Saturday, Sunday or holiday during the fourteen (14) calendar days immediately preceding the election together with the text of any resolution which will be presented to the voters.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN, that pursuant to Section 2014 of the Education Law, personal registration of voters is required and only those persons whose names appear on the register of the said school district, or who are registered pursuant to Article 5 of the Election Law, shall be entitled to vote at said meeting and election.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN, that all qualified voters who have previously registered for any annual or special meeting or election and have voted at any annual or special election held or conducted at any time within four (4) calendar years prior to this year are not required to register with the Board of Registration for this meeting.

All other persons who wish to vote must register. A voter may register at the office of the District Clerk of the Levittown UFSD between the hours of 8:00 AM and 1:00 PM on school days provided that such registration is effected no later than May 14, 2026.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN, that said register will be filed in the office of the District Clerk and will be open for inspection by any qualified voter of the District on each of the five (5) days prior to the day of the election, except Sunday, between the hours of 9:00 AM and 1:00 PM, on

Monday through Friday and on Saturday May 16, 2026, by prearranged appointment in the office of the District Clerk and at each voting place on the day of the election.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN, that absentee ballots for those eligible pursuant to the provision of Section 2018a of the Education Law are available, and that applications for absentee ballots may be applied for at the office of the District Clerk.

A list of all persons to whom absentee ballots have been issued will be available in the office of the Clerk on each of the five (5) calendar days prior to the day of election except Sunday, between the hours of 9:00 AM and 1:00 PM on Monday through Friday and on Saturday May 16, 2026, by prearranged appointment. in the office of the District Clerk. Such application must be received by the District Clerk at least seven (7) calendar days before the election if the ballot is to be mailed to the voter or by the day before the election if the ballot is to be delivered personally to the voter. No absentee voter’s ballot will be canvassed unless it has been received in the office of the District Clerk not later than 5:00 PM on the day of the election.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN, that pursuant to Section 2018-e of the Education Law, applications for early mail ballots may be obtained at the Office of the District Clerk of the School District, during all days in which the School District is in session. Completed applications must be received by the District Clerk no earlier than April 20, 2026 and by May 12, 2026, if the early mail ballot is to be mailed to the voter. If the early mail ballot is to be delivered personally to the voter at the Office of the District Clerk the completed application must be received by the District Clerk no later than May 18, 2026. No early mail voter’s ballot will be canvassed unless it has been received in the Office of the District Clerk of the School District no later than 5:00 p.m. on May 19, 2026. A list of all persons to whom early ballots have been issued will be available in the Office of the District Clerk’s office during

office hours on and after May 13, 2026 until May 19, 2026, except on Saturday May 16, 2026, by prearranged appointment. A challenge to an early voting ballot may not be made on the basis that the voter should have applied for an absentee ballot.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN, that during the voting hours on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, between the hours of 7:00 AM and 8:00 PM, in the various election districts, the Board of Registration will meet to receive registrations for subsequent elections. During the hours of 7:00 AM and 8:00 PM on voting days, the District Clerk shall be in her office at the Levittown Memorial Education Center, 150 Abbey Lane, Levittown, NY 11756.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN, that Section 495 of the Real Property Tax Law requires the District to attach to its proposed budget an Exemption Report. Said exemption report, which will also become part of the final budget, will show how the total assessed value of the final assessment roll used in the budgetary process is exempt from taxation, list every type of exemption granted by statutory authority, and show the cumulative impact of each type of exemption, the cumulative amount expected to be received as payments in lieu of taxes (PILOT) and the cumulative impact of all exemptions granted. In addition, said exemption report shall be posted on any bulletin board maintained by the District for public notices and on the District’s website.

FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that pursuant to Education Law §2018-d, Military Voters who are not currently registered may apply to register as a qualified voter of the District by submitting a Military Voter Registration Application to the District Clerk, no later than 5:00 p.m. on April 23, 2026. A copy of the Military Voter Registration Application is available both by contacting the District Clerk by email at vesposito@ levittownschools. com and online at the District’s website located at <http://www. levittownschools.com/>. Military voters who are

qualified voters of the District may submit an application for a military ballot. A Military Voter is entitled to designate a preference to receive a Military Voter Registration Application, Military Ballot Application or Military Ballot by mail, facsimile or electronic mail. Such designation will remain in effect until revoked or changed by the voter. If no preference is designated, the District will transmit the Military Voter Registration Application, Military Ballot Application or Military Ballot by mail. Military Voter Ballot Application forms must be received by the District Clerk no later than 5:00 p.m. on April 23, 2026. Military Ballots will not be canvassed unless they are received by the District Clerk on or before 5:00 p.m. on May 19, 2026.

SCHOOL ELECTION DISTRICTS:

The boundaries of the school election districts and the place of each election district for voting and registration shall be as follows:

ELECTION DISTRICT #1 - GARDINERS AVENUE

SCHOOL

Beginning at Wantagh Parkway and Chase Lane; east on Chase Lane to Center Lane, thence south to Prairie Lane; thence east to Gardiners Avenue; thence south to Slate Lane; then east and north to Swan Lane; then east and north to Grey Lane; continuing east to Wantagh Avenue; thence south on Wantagh Avenue to Jerusalem Avenue; thence west to Oakfield Avenue; continuing north to Old Jerusalem Road; thence east on Old Jerusalem Road to Wantagh Parkway Line; north along Line to the point of beginning.

ELECTION DISTRICT #2 - EAST BROADWAY SCHOOL

Beginning at north side of Southern State Parkway and east side of Wantagh Avenue; north on Wantagh to Miller Place; thence east to Exit Lane; thence south to Elm Drive; thence west to Elbow Lane; thence southwest to End Lane; south to End Lane and Elm Drive East to Pope Street; thence east to District Line; thence south to Regent Lane; thence east to Red Maple Drive; thence northeast, and south to Regal Lane;

Public Notices

east on Regal Lane and Cordwood Lane to Arlington Drive; thence southeast to Town Line; thence south to Southern State Parkway; west along Parkway to point of beginning. Beginning at south side of Southern State Parkway and west side of Town Line; south on Town Line to Jerusalem Avenue; thence west to Wantagh Avenue; thence north to Southern State Parkway; thence east to point of beginning.

ELECTION DISTRICT #3LEVITTOWN MEMORIAL EDUCATION CENTER

Beginning at east side of Wantagh Parkway and south side of Hempstead Turnpike; east on Hempstead Turnpike to Silver Lane; thence south to Forge Lane; thence east to Cotton Lane; thence southeasterly to Wantagh Avenue; then south to Grey Lane; thence west to Swan Lane; then southwesterly to Slate Lane; then south to Gardiners Avenue, thence north to Prairie Lane; thence west to Center Lane; thence north to Chase Lane; thence west to Wantagh Parkway Line; north along Line to point of beginning.

ELECTION DISTRICT #4DIVISION AVENUE HIGH SCHOOL

Beginning at north side of Hempstead Turnpike and west side of Jerusalem Avenue; west on Hempstead Turnpike to District Boundary Line at Wantagh State Parkway; thence northeast to northerly border of School District; east on Boundary Line (Flamingo Rd., Magpie Lane, Blacksmith Rd) to Jerusalem Avenue; thence south to point of beginning.

Dated: Levittown, New York March 2026 BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION

LEVITTOWN UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT

TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, NASSAU COUNTY, NEW YORK 159201

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT

NASSAU COUNTY

CHRISTIANA TRUST AS CUSTODIAN FOR GSRAN-Z LLC, Plaintiff against JOHN D. DEMAILLE, et al Defendant(s)

Attorney for Plaintiff(s) Hersko & Ehrenreich P.C., 555 Willow

Avenue, Cedarhurst, NY 11516, (516) 942-4216. Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered February 11, 2026, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on April 28, 2026 at 3:00 PM. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being, and identified on the land and tax map of the County of Nassau in the State of New York. Premises known as 1701 Cornelius Ave., Wantagh, NY 11793. Sec 56 Block 267 Lot 196. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $23,043.25 plus interest, fees, and costs and Attorney fees. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 606860/2023. The foreclosure sale will be conducted in accordance with 10th Judicial District’s Covid-19 Policies and foreclosure auction rules. The Referee shall enforce any rules in place regarding facial coverings and social distancing. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the Court Appointed Referee shall cancel the foreclosure auction. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.”

Kenneth Gartner, Esq., Referee File # 19-5942 159059

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY, BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE OF THE TRUMAN 2021 SC9 TITLE TRUST, Plaintiff AGAINST MATTHEW CLANCY, ALLISON CLANCY AKA ALLISON M. MUGNO AKA ALLISON MUGNO, Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered March 7, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100

Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on April 23, 2026 at 2:00 PM, premises known as 520 Ann Lane, Wantagh, NY 11793. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Wantagh, in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section: 51 Block: 504 Lot: 21. Approximate amount of judgment $360,363.69 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #617649/2022. Ronald J. Ferraro, Esq., Referee Tromberg, Miller, Morris & Partners, PLLC 39 Broadway, Suite 1840 New York, NY 10006 25-000638 89187 159037

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, US BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR VRMTG ASSET TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. HARRY LAGONIKOS A/K/A HARILAOS I. LAGONIKOS A/K/A HARRY J. LAGONIKOS, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on March 22, 2023, an Order Amending JFS and Extending Time to Conduct the Foreclosure Sale, entered on January 17, 2025, and an Order Extending Sale Deadline and Other Relief entered on February 26, 2026, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on May 5, 2026 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 2957 Curtis Place, Wantagh, NY 11793. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being At Bellmore, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 56, Block 411 and Lot 442. Approximate amount of judgment is $461,899.42 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold

subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 609058/2018. Mark Ricciardi, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No.: 231006-1 159277

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, WILMINGTON

SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY IN ITS CAPACITY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR OCWEN LOAN ACQUISITION TRUST 2023-HB1, Plaintiff, vs. CHARLES PAUL ROMANO, AS HEIR, DEVISEE, DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF CATHERINE ROMANO, DECEASED, ET AL., Defendant(s).

Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report, Amend the Caption, and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on April 16, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on May 19, 2026 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 4 Patricia Court, Bethpage, NY 11714. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Oyster Bay, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 52, Block 310 and Lot 40 f/k/a Part of Lot 39. Approximate amount of judgment is $478,059.61 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 603268/2020. Ronald J. Ferraro, Esq., Referee Greenspoon Marder, 1345 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 2200, New York, NY 10105, Attorneys for Plaintiff 159622

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU BETHPAGE FEDERAL CREDIT UNION, -againstJASON D. THOMPSON, ET AL.

News brief

What to know during Safe Digging Month

April is National Safe Digging Month, and PSEG Long Island is reminding residents and contractors to call 811 before starting any outdoor projects to avoid damaging underground utility lines.

State law requires anyone planning to dig to contact 811 in advance so underground pipelines, wires and cables can be properly marked. This encompasses everything from large construction projects or smaller jobs like planting trees, installing fences or building decks.

Striking an underground electrical or gas line can cause serious injuries, power outages and costly repairs, according to PSEG Long Island.

“April is the time of year when people on Long Island begin outdoor improvements to their homes and businesses,” said Michael Sullivan, vice president of electric operations at PSEG Long Island. “Calling 811 ahead of time is essential for protecting underground utility lines and, most importantly, the safety of anyone digging.”

The 811 service is free and connects callers to New York’s one-call center, which notifies local utility companies. Representatives are then sent to mark underground lines with flags, paint or both. Residents must wait until all utilities respond and confirm markings before beginning work.

Last year, more than 189,000 requests were made to 811 in PSEG Long Island’s service area, according to the utility. So far this year, more than 35,000 requests have already been recorded.

Despite the risks, many people still skip the step. According to the Common Ground Alliance, about 40 percent of diggers in North America do not call 811, often because they believe their project is

NOTICE OF SALE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on February 4, 2026, wherein BETHPAGE FEDERAL CREDIT UNION is the Plaintiff and JASON D. THOMPSON, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, NORTH SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on May 19, 2026 at 3:30PM, premises known as 161 DUCK POND DRIVE NORTH, WANTAGH, NY 11793; and the following tax map identification: 51-426-28.

ALL THAT CERTAIN

too shallow to require it.

Utility officials said underground gas and electric lines are present in most areas, including private properties, and can be easily damaged without proper marking. In addition to safety concerns, striking a line can disrupt service and lead to expensive repairs or delays.

Residents are advised to call 811 at least two business days before starting any project. They should also avoid digging until all utilities have responded and use caution around marked areas. Hand digging is recommended within 2 feet of marked lines.

If a gas line is damaged or a gas odor is detected, residents should leave the area immediately and call 911 from a safe location.

Additional information about safe digging practices is available on PSEG Long Island’s website.

PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 613169/2023. Paul L. Meli, Esq. - Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO

CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES. 159616

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, US BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS LEGAL TITLE TRUSTEE FOR TRUMAN 2016 SC6 TITLE TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. MARIAN LUCIANI, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on March 2, 2026, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on

May 14, 2026 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 12 Grant Avenue, Bethpage, NY 11714. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in Central Park, Township of Oyster Bay, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 46, Block 12 and Lot 9-10. Approximate amount of judgment is $572,075.68 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 607824/2023.

Jason S. Vishnick, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No.: 200965-5 159494

— Hunter Fenollol

Courtesy PSEG Long Island

An example

a markout of underground utilities

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HomesHERALD

How much extra money does a home cost these days? Part 2

to Market

Q. I saw a billboard and several TV commercials for something called “Let Them Build, NY” and was wondering what you could tell me about it. The commercial said that there is an extra $82,000 spent on housing, per home, just due to government red tape. Is this true, and is anything being done about it?

A. As I continue to answer this delicate and complicated question, I have to respond to people who called this column, over the years, just an advertisement. I’ve received criticism and pushback for nearly four decades because I’ve pointed out where changes needed to happen, in a constructive manner. Instead of causing positive change, I saw projects delayed, passive-aggressive behavior and extra tasks thrown at me that weren’t required by others. It hasn’t been easy, and this is hopefully a forum for positive reflection on how to improve our lives, not just criticism. I will never just complain about a problem without stating that there is a solution.

The cost of building has gone up. It should be understood by all that building safety requirements should never be ignored. The problem with cost increases is that delays, due to issues that have nothing to do with safety, are a part of the problem, not the solution.

For example, the average project starts out with research. There are many issues that must be addressed, from environmental conditions, such as ground water levels, to parking and zoning use, structural conditions and fire safety. Local government archives information about each property, yet when it comes time to request the records, many have stumbling blocks, such as Freedom of Information Law, or FOIL, requests that can sometimes take weeks. Then, when you get the information, it is often inaccurate sketches.

Local government expects very detailed information from professionals, to fix the information problems of the past, yet often provides inaccurate plans that hardly reflect the building. This is because as-built drawings and final surveys were neither required nor enforced. A new home has always been required to have an accurate final survey from a licensed surveyor for the initial certificate of occupancy, but the surveys in municipal records are often inaccurate sketch diagrams made by the developer, a contractor or expeditor, not a licensed professional (as was also always required). Those “plot” plans often say “prop. dwelling” (proposed) with completely useless, inaccurate information. So, after waiting, in some cases, weeks just to see the records, what you get is just a waste of time and money. Might as well hire the surveyor at the outset, something many customers are reluctant to spend for.

The playing field is definitely not level. Government should require of itself the same standards it forces on the public. Imagine getting valuable data without delays, right at the beginning of a project, instead of waiting weeks for the answer that there are no records.

Experienced developers already know to hire the surveyor, do the testing, do the zoning analysis, etc.

Readers are encouraged to send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com, with “Herald question” in the subject line, or to Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530, Attn:

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REVIVE Act is the wrong solution to the housing crisis

To the surprise of no one, Albany extremists — following the lead of Gov. Kathy Hochul — have once again proposed a one-sizefits-all, top-down mandate that would attack suburbia by stripping municipalities of control over local zoning.

The recently introduced REVIVE Act — sponsored by State Sen. James Skoufis and Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages — proposes to fast-track high-density housing by redeveloping “underutilized” commercial properties, and in the process, completely bypass the local review processes that ensure thoughtful, responsible growth.

Conveniently, the definition of “underutilized” is broad and open-ended, and includes shopping centers, office parks and parking lots, setting the threshold for “underutilized” as 50 percent vacant for one year. To make matters worse, the legislation contains a fast-track clause that would grant automatic approval to developments if municipalities fail to act within a rigid, state-imposed timeline that is far too short to accommodate any type of thoughtful and meaningful public input.

Worse yet, under the REVIVE Act, new developments would be permitted to be built as-of-right to the same height as the tallest existing building in the municipality. In the Town of Hempstead, the tallest building is Nassau University Medical Center, at 280 feet. This would allow high-density, high-rise developments of nearly 30 stories to be fast-tracked throughout our community on any “underutilized” parcel a developer should choose.

This proposal simply has one goal in mind: to increase density in suburban areas, no matter what.

Ted. Responsible growth isn’t just about adding housing units. It’s about ensuring that our neighborhoods can thrive in the best way possible for every resident. Development needs to be sustainable, strategic, and aligned with the needs and character of the community.

he proposal has one goal: to increase housing density in suburban areas.

It does not adequately take into consideration the real-world impact that high-density developments would have on traffic congestion, school capacity, environmental concerns and public safety. And frankly, it sends a troubling message that Albany doesn’t care about those impacts. Local zoning exists for a reason, and decisions about development should be made by the people who live in these communities, not imposed by bureaucrats hundreds of miles away.

This “Albany knows best” approach is not just misguided; it’s dangerous. Legislation like the REVIVE Act fails to account for a community’s existing infrastructure, its long-term planning goal, and, most concerningly, the voices of residents who would be most affect-

That’s why I’ve been proud to stand with local and state leaders in strong opposition to this egregious state overreach. Last month I joined members of the State Senate and Assembly in Albany to denounce the REVIVE Act. More recently, I stood with a coalition of elected officials from across Nassau County in front of Samanea Mall in Westbury — a site that could easily be deemed “underutilized” under this legislation and targeted for highdensity redevelopment.

That location is not unique. There are countless sites across Long Island that could fall under the scope of this bill. And instead of encouraging balanced economic development or supporting job-creating commercial investment, Albany appears determined to impose high-density, high-rise residential projects with little regard for community impact.

Suburban communities aren’t Albany’s plaything to experiment with. They are neighborhoods where families have

built their lives, where small businesses support local economies and where residents take pride in the character of their towns. Stripping those communities of their voice isn’t just bad policy — it’s fundamentally detrimental to the principles of local governance and community-driven planning.

And make no mistake: Opposition to the REVIVE Act isn’t limited to elected officials. Residents across the region are speaking out because they understand what is at stake. They know that once local control is taken away, it will be impossible to get back. They know that decisions made without their input will shape their neighborhoods for generations to come.

That’s why I launched an online petition so residents can make their voices heard and stand up against this misguided proposal. I encourage everyone to visit Change.org/StopReviveAct and join the growing number of Long Islanders who are saying enough is enough.

The REVIVE Act doesn’t just get the balance wrong — it ignores it entirely. And if we allow that to happen, the consequences won’t be felt in Albany. They’ll be felt on our roads, in our schools and in the neighborhoods we call home.

That’s why this fight matters. And that’s why the REVIVE Act must be stopped.

John Ferretti is the Town of Hempstead supervisor.

Restoring accountability to school bus camera programs

Every driver has a legal and moral obligation to stop for a school bus, since violations can have devastating consequences — children getting on and off their school buses are among the most vulnerable people on the road. Consistent enforcement of traffic laws to deter illegal passing can help prevent injuries and save lives. At the same time, these systems must be implemented carefully. When enforcement programs are poorly administered, lack clear authorization or fail to provide drivers with adequate notice, they undermine trust in traffic safety efforts. Safety and accountability should go hand in hand, not come at the expense of one another.

In 2021 I helped pass legislation in the County Legislature approving schoolbus stop-arm cameras. As a former school board trustee, I did so with a deep sense of responsibility to protect chil-

dren not only in the classroom, but on their way to and from school. The law allowed the county to partner with a private vendor to operate the system — but only in districts that chose to opt in.

That distinction matters. The program was designed to give local school districts the ability to decide what was best for safety in their own communities. It was never intended to be a blanket system imposed across every neighborhood, nor was it designed to operate without clear local consent.

Tickets are being issued in school districts that never agreed to participate.

Soon after its implementation, however, concerns began to emerge. A Newsday investigation last year found that, over a two-year period, the Town of Hempstead issued more than 80,000 tickets in and around school districts that never agreed to participate in the program — raising serious legal and ethical questions about how the system was being enforced.

Town officials have suggested that these tickets stemmed from buses that take part in the program making stops outside their home districts. But that reality makes clear why stronger safe-

guards are necessary. A program built on local consent shouldn’t result in enforcement spilling into communities that never opted in. When the boundaries of participation become blurred, so does the public’s confidence in the system itself — and in the fairness of the penalties it produces.

That’s why I introduced legislation in the State Senate to restore fairness and transparency. My bill makes clear that enforcement cannot begin until there is authorization by local school boards for implementation in their school districts, proper public notice, and certification that a system is active. Drivers deserve to know when and where automated enforcement is being used. The bill also ensures that no one can be penalized retroactively for actions that occurred before a system was officially authorized and put in operation.

School bus camera systems would only be permitted to operate within school districts that formally opt in. That would restore the balance that was originally intended: protecting children while respecting the role of local com-

munities in making decisions about their own safety measures. It would also ensure that enforcement is consistent and applied only where it is authorized.

To protect local decision-making and ensure that enforcement is fair and transparent, the bill would set clear rules for both municipalities and vendors. Municipalities would be required to maintain accurate records of participating districts. Vendors would be required to ensure that bus camera systems operate only within the boundaries of those districts, and could not issue violations outside them. In other words, unless a district had made a clear and informed decision to participate, there would be no cameras and no tickets.

This is not about weakening school bus safety laws. Drivers must always stop for school buses to protect children — but enforcement must be transparent to maintain trust.

At its core, this legislation is about restoring public confidence. When people trust that laws are being enforced fairly and as intended, they are far more likely to respect and follow them. That’s how we create safer streets — not just through enforcement.

Siela Bynoe represents the 6th State Senate District.

Established

LIRR riders, put on your damn headphones

there is an unwritten contract that comes with riding on the Long Island Rail Road. You buy your ticket, you find your seat and you agree — implicitly, silently, without anyone asking you to sign anything — to share a small, enclosed space with strangers for the duration of your journey. It’s not always comfortable. It’s rarely glamorous. But it works, because most people understand that shared spaces require a certain baseline of consideration for the people around you.

That contract is being violated, every day, by people who can’t be bothered to use headphones. This lack of common decency is getting worse. Perhaps it signals the erosion of pre-pandemic norms, or the proliferation of short-form video content that simply must be consumed the moment it appears. But the reason doesn’t matter. The result is the same: a train car held captive by one person’s indifference.

You know what I’m talking about. The commuter who has his phone propped against his coffee cup, watching a video at full volume like he’s in his living room — a living room, apparently, with very thick walls or no neighbors. The guy on his Bluetooth speaker. Yes, a Bluetooth. On a train. In public. Among other humans.

What is so urgent that it cannot wait — or at minimum, be routed through a pair of earbuds? If you’re going to subject your fellow passengers to unsolicit-

letters

Turning our backs on nuclear power will cost us

To the Editor:

ed audio, the least you can do is make it enriching. Bach’s “Goldberg Variations.” A Pulitzer Prize-winner on Audible. Perhaps a documentary about the migratory patterns of the Arctic tern. Something that, when the woman across the aisle glances up from her book, she might think, “Well, I didn’t ask for this, but I’ll learn something today.”

Instead, what Long Island commuters are treated to after a long day of work is a TikTok of someone attempting to fit way too many cherry tomatoes in their mouth. Or a Twitch stream of a man dropping words that would make a sailor take notes. Or, my personal favorite, a FaceTime call conducted at a volume that suggests the party on the other end is located not in Queens but in Uzbekistan.

The headphone — wireless, wired, over-ear, in-ear, take your pick — is sold at every price point from reasonable to why-does-this-cost-more-than-my-firstcar, and is one of the great inventions of the modern age precisely because it solved this problem. It lets each of us live inside our own sonic world without inflicting it on everyone else. The technology is cheap, ubiquitous, and works perfectly well even when moving at 60 miles per hour.

And before anyone reaches for the ready-made excuse, “My AirPods died” is not quite the sympathetic defense it might seem. Yes, it’s mildly inconvenient to sit for 40 minutes without being

Karl Grossman’s op-ed critique of New York’s zeroemission credit program, “Nuclear power for $33 billion, and guess who’s paying?” (April 2-8) mischaracterizes both the program’s purpose and its value. The figure he cites is designed to alarm, but stripped of context, it obscures a central truth: New York is not subsidizing failure — it is investing in reliability, climate compliance and economic stability.

In 2016, the state Public Service Commission established zero-emissions credits as part of its Clean Energy Standard to preserve existing nuclear generation, the single largest source of zero-emission electricity in the state. At the time, upstate nuclear plants were at risk of premature closure due to distorted wholesale markets. The commission found that losing those facilities would result in “significantly increased greenhouse gas emissions,” higher capacity costs and immediate reliability risks.

Federal courts agreed. In 2018, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit upheld New York’s ZEC program, finding it lawful and consistent with federal energy policy. The court rejected claims that ZECs distorted markets, affirming that states retain

able to catch up on the latest episode of “Love Is Blind.” We understand. We feel for you. But that inconvenience — yours, private, manageable — pales significantly when compared with forcing the occupants of an entire train car to listen to it with you.

Charge your headphones. Toss a wired pair in your bag. The bar here is low, but it’s still worth clearing.

Long Island commuters are not a fragile lot. Anyone who has navigated Penn Station at rush hour or waited half an hour for a delayed train on an unsheltered platform in January has developed a certain resilience. We don’t need silence. We don’t need perfection. Trains are noisy — the screech of the rails, the hiss of the doors, the conductor calling out “Jamaica next!” in a voice that carries to the next car. That’s the deal. That’s ambient. That’s fine.

What isn’t fine is being forced to listen to someone else’s choice of entertainment, which, based on available evidence, is made with absolutely no one else in mind.

So here’s a modest proposal: bring your headphones, and use them. The train is a community — a rolling slice of Long Island life, hurtling toward work or home. Communities are at their best when their members extend small courtesies to one another.

And, if you absolutely must share your audio with the world, at the very minimum, make it Bach.

authority to value environmental attributes of generation. As the court noted, “States are not preempted from encouraging production of clean energy.”

Nuclear power supplies roughly 20 percent of New York’s electricity and more than 40 percent of its carbon-free generation. Without it, emissions would spike dramatically, undoing years of progress under the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. As New York’s independent system operator has repeatedly warned, premature retirements of dispatchable resources, espe-

Why expanding child care on Long Island is so difficult

Across Long Island, families are struggling to find reliable child care. Waiting lists are growing, educators are stretched thin and communities continue to ask the same question: Why can’t we simply open more child care programs?

As an early-childhood educator and a small-business owner on Long Island, I see this challenge from both sides — as someone serving families in need of care, and as someone actively working to expand child care in our community.

Many people assume that the primary barriers to opening new programs are licensing requirements, zoning regulations or finding appropriate space. These are certainly significant hurdles. Child care providers must meet strict safety regulations, navigate local zoning rules and secure properties that meet both municipal and state requirements.

But what often goes unrecognized is what happens after those hurdles are cleared.

In some cases, providers manage to secure the property, obtain the necessary approvals and design programs that expand the number of available

spots for families with children. The plans are approved. The need in the community is clear.

Yet even at that stage, expansion can stall because of one remaining obstacle: access to capital.

Child care programs are small businesses that operate with extremely tight margins. Unlike many other industries, the cost of delivering quality care — staffing, safety requirements, training, compliance and maintaining appropriate childto-staff ratios — leaves little room for financial flexibility. At the same time, many lending institutions continue to view child care as a high-risk investment.

Ters must manage both the expense of running a small business and the rising cost of maintaining a home.

Utility costs alone can be substantial when caring for children in a program that operates for long hours each day. Heating, electricity, water, sanitation, food preparation and cleaning requirements all contribute to increased operational costs. These aren’t optional expenses; they are essential components of maintaining a safe, healthy environment for children.

he cost of delivering quality care leaves little room for financial flexibility.

The result is a troubling disconnect. Communities are asking for more child care options, providers are ready to expand, and projects may already have the proper approvals in place, but financing remains out of reach.

On Long Island, this challenge is compounded by the broader affordability crisis. The cost of operating any small business here continues to rise.

Property costs, insurance, utilities, food, supplies and maintenance expenses have increased significantly in recent years. For home-based child care providers, the financial pressures can be even more complex. Many programs operate in residential homes, meaning provid-

LeTTers

cially nuclear, pose “significant reliability challenges,” particularly as electrification increases demand.

Critics often invoke plant age as a proxy for danger. That is misleading. Nuclear facilities are regulated by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission under one of the most stringent safety regimes in the world. License extensions are granted only after exhaustive review of materials, systems and operational performance. Comparing a nuclear plant to a “57-year-old car” may be rhetorically effective, but it is technically unserious. Nuclear facilities are continually upgraded with the latest technology, which is often mandated by the commission.

The economic argument also collapses under scrutiny. ZECs are not a “bailout”; they are a market correction. Fossil fuel generation benefits from decades of embedded subsidies and does not pay for its environmental externalities. ZECs attempt to internalize those costs, something economists across the spectrum have long advocated. As former Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz has stated, “Retaining existing nuclear plants is one of the most cost-effective ways to prevent carbon emissions.”

As well, these facilities support thousands of high-skilled, union jobs that cannot be quickly or easily replaced. More important, they anchor local economies across upstate New York. Abrupt closures

At the same time, providers must invest in staff wages, professional development, educational materials and regulatory compliance. These costs are necessary to ensure quality care, but they also make it more difficult for programs to accumulate the capital needed to grow. When providers attempt to secure financing to expand services, many encounter lending systems that aren’t designed with childhood programs in mind. Even projects that have secured zoning approval and appropriate facilities, and demonstrated community demand, may struggle to access the financing necessary to move forward.

This gap in financing has real consequences. Families across Long Island are already experiencing the impact of limited child care availability. Parents are delaying career opportunities,

would not only destabilize the grid but devastate entire communities.

Nuclear power is not a panacea. Renewables will continue to expand, but the idea that wind and solar alone can replace firm, dispatchable baseload power in the near term is not supported by grid realities. Even the Union of Concerned Scientists acknowledges that maintaining existing nuclear capacity can play a role in reducing emissions during the transition.

The real question isn’t whether ZECs cost money. It is whether abandoning them would cost more in emissions, in reliability failures, in lost jobs and, ultimately, in higher long-term energy prices.

New York’s energy transition must be grounded in pragmatism, not ideology. Preserving zero-emission nuclear generation through ZECs isn’t a step backward. It is a necessary bridge, one that ensures we reach a cleaner future without falling into the very pitfalls critics claim to oppose.

PATRICk GUIdICE Holtsville

Patrick Guidice is the business manager of IBEW Local 1049, representing over 4,000 workers in the electrical and gas utility industry on Long Island. Karl Grossman’s column did not appear in all print editions of the Herald, but can be found at liherald. com/oped.

adjusting work schedules or leaving the workforce entirely because they cannot find reliable care for their children.

Employers also feel the effects. Businesses depend on employees who depend on child care. When their child care options are limited, workforce participation declines and productivity suffers.

Expanding child care isn’t simply about building classrooms. It’s about investing in the system that allows families, businesses and communities to function. Long Island has no shortage of educators who are committed to serving families and expanding access to early learning opportunities. What we need now is greater alignment between that commitment and the financial system that supports small businesses trying to meet this urgent need.

When approved child care projects can’t move forward due to lack of financing, it should prompt an important conversation about how we invest in one of the most essential services our communities depend on.

Child care isn’t a luxury. It is the foundation that allows families to work, businesses to operate and communities to grow. If Long Island is serious about addressing the child care shortage, we must ensure that providers who are ready to expand have a viable path to do so.

Janna Rodriguez is an early childhood educator and a small-business owner in Freeport.